Mansakonko Area Council Chairman Landing B. Sanneh testified Monday before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry about financial management failures. The council operated from 2018 to 2023 without establishing proper internal spending controls or oversight mechanisms. Sanneh acknowledged that executives made discretional decisions rather than following established guidelines from the Local Government Financial Manual. The CEO and finance director could authorize expenditures without seeking approval from the chairman or full council. This practice exposed taxpayer funds to inadequate supervision and potential misuse.
Bank loans were secured during this period, though Sanneh could not recall specific details about lenders or amounts borrowed. Some financing arrangements occurred without the chairman's knowledge, particularly for salary payments or smaller transactions. The council maintains four separate accounts with Trust Bank, GT Bank, Reliance Financial Services, and Supersonics. Monthly reports are generated by an internal audit unit, but comprehensive oversight remained limited. Sanneh promised to submit meeting minutes and loan documentation to the Commission for review.
Bank loans were secured during this period, though Sanneh could not recall specific details about lenders or amounts borrowed. Some financing arrangements occurred without the chairman's knowledge, particularly for salary payments or smaller transactions. The council maintains four separate accounts with Trust Bank, GT Bank, Reliance Financial Services, and Supersonics. Monthly reports are generated by an internal audit unit, but comprehensive oversight remained limited. Sanneh promised to submit meeting minutes and loan documentation to the Commission for review.
