Parliament Squeezes HRMO
By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) has faced intense scrutiny during a session convened by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to examine discrepancies and other official pitfalls in the 2023 Auditor General’s report.
Chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament and PAC Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Tawah Conteh, the session aimed to address concerns about the HRMO’s documentation practices and operational shortcomings.
Hon. Conteh led the inquiry with a calm but firm demeanor, emphasizing a systematic approach to reviewing the HRMO’s records. He stressed the importance of cross-referencing submitted documents with departmental records, focusing on key ministries such as Trade, Social Welfare, and Finance. He made it clear that the absence of critical documentation, such as payroll and employment records, would not be tolerated, as it undermined transparency and accountability.
As discussions unfolded, the PAC highlighted discrepancies in the HRMO’s record-keeping and inefficiencies in vendor management. Hon. Conteh raised concerns over systemic issues such as inadequate power supply and challenges with fiber connectivity, which hindered operations. While the HRMO admitted to these struggles, officials assured the committee of ongoing efforts to modernize outdated systems and improve efficiency.
Hon. Conteh urged caution regarding the HRMO’s ambitious plans for a nationwide overhaul, advocating for a phased approach starting with targeted regions like the Western Area. In response, HRMO officials outlined a strategy to implement upgrades in manageable clusters, supported by stakeholder
engagement and localized surveys.
The PAC directed the HRMO to provide additional documentation and a detailed roadmap to address the challenges identified. Hon. Conteh emphasized the need for transparency, accurate record-keeping, and adherence to public service standards, setting a clear expectation for accountability and reform.
The session marked a pivotal step in ensuring that HRMO aligns its operations with established legal and procedural requirements, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to good governance.
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