Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has questioned the wisdom of appointing Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers to serve on boards of state-owned enterprises, arguing that the practice could undermine Parliament’s oversight responsibilities.
Speaking during a discussion on the SIGA reports via zoom on Kessben TV’s Punch, Mr Domelevo said it was “sub-optimal” for MPs to serve on boards while they are also expected to exercise oversight over public institutions.
“How can one be a player and a referee at the same time?” he asked.
According to him, MPs already have an important responsibility to provide general oversight through Parliament, including their work on committees such as the Public Accounts Committee.
He therefore argued that allowing MPs to simultaneously sit on boards could create a potential conflict between their responsibilities as legislators and their involvement in the management or governance of state entities.
Mr Domelevo also expressed concerns about the way some boards of state-owned enterprises operate.
He said board members must understand the distinction between their responsibilities and the day-to-day functions of management.
He noted that some boards become overly involved in operational matters, including procurement decisions, instead of providing strategic direction and oversight.
He welcomed the dissolution of some SOE boards but said he did not have details on the reasons behind the decision.
The former Auditor-General further cautioned against using public resources to reward individuals who financially support political parties that subsequently assume power.
While acknowledging that political financiers may expect returns on their investments, he stressed that such expectations should not translate into misuse of public funds.
He suggested that where individuals have the expertise needed by the state, they should be identified and given legitimate contracts based on their competence. Mr Domelevo also appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to ensure that Members of Parliaments (MPs) seek the necessary permission before engaging in profit-making ventures.
He maintained that board appointments must be based on competence and the requirements established by law, warning against placing unsuitable individuals in positions for which they lack the necessary expertise.
