Neneh Macdouall Gaye – Chairperson ATI Commission
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly, on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment and approved the remuneration package for the Commissioners of the Access to Information (ATI) Commission. This decision followed the presentation of a report by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Appointment.
The motion, tabled by the Minister of Information, Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, on July 8, 2024, proposed the appointment of the ATI Commissioners. Minister Ceesay emphasized that this confirmation aligns with sections 42(1) and 42(2) of the ATI Act 2021. Additionally, he highlighted that the remuneration package for the commissioners would be comparable to the salary scales of other prominent commissions, such as the NHRC and the SOE Commission.
The motion was referred to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Appointment for further scrutiny. The committee held meetings on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, and Monday, July 22, 2024, to evaluate the proposed appointments and remuneration package.
Presenting the committee’s report, Hon. Alhagie Mbowe noted that the committee received assistance from the Ministry of Information, Personnel Management Office, State-Owned Enterprises, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, and the Public Service Commission. These bodies provided documentary evidence to verify the credentials of the shortlisted candidates.
“The Committee reviewed the established framework for the appointment of a person as a Commissioner as per the Access to Information Act, 2021. The Committee has the responsibility of advising the Assembly in confirming persons appointed as Commissioner in accordance with Section 43 of the Access to Information Act.
The Committee also considered the procedure adopted by the selection panel, communicated from the Ministry for Information, and the curriculum vitae and certificates of the shortlisted candidates,” he said.
Hon. Mbowe expressed his satisfaction with the selection panel’s adherence to the procedure for shortlisting candidates in accordance with the Access to Information Act.
He emphasized the importance of implementing the Access to Information Act and stated that the Committee recommends the Assembly confirm the appointment of the five individuals selected as Commissioners for the Access to Information Commission.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Committee recommends the Assembly approve the reviewed remuneration package for the Commissioners.
“The Committee observes and recommends that the Minister for Information look into Section 46 of the Access to Information Act 2021 limitation on outside work, which states that a Commissioner shall not hold any other job, occupy or engage in any trade or profession for financial gain. The committee believes this section limits potential commissioners from serving on the Commission and could restrict competent people from outside work,” he highlighted.
The committee also recommends that the Ministry of Finance and the Personnel Management Office come up with a guide or policy document for determining the remuneration of Commissioners across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
He stated that the Committee, having reviewed and consulted the relevant institutions, compared the various pay scales of Commissioners across the board.
“In addition, the Committee, having reviewed and consulted the relevant institutions, compared the various pay scales of Commissioners across the country and proposed a pay scale similar to that of the National Human Rights Commissioners,” he said.
The committee also recommended that the Ministry of Finance and the Personnel Management Office develop a policy for determining the remuneration of Commissioners across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. After comparing the pay scales of various commissions, the committee proposed a pay scale similar to that of the National Human Rights Commissioners.
Following a debate, the Assembly agreed on the proposed remuneration tabled by the Information Minister. The salary structure for the commissioners is set at D146,500 for the chairperson and D134,500 for the other commissioners.
The confirmed members of the ATI Commission are:
Neneh Macdouall Gaye – Chairperson
John Charles Njie – Vice Chairperson
Baboucarr Cham – Member
Bai Emil Touray – Member
Ya Amie Touray – Member