By Nasratu Kargbo
The Executive Secretary Independent Media Commission (IMC), Khalil Kallon has admitted they are currently understaffed; a situation he said has the tendency to affect the execution of their mandate.
Speaking to Politico on the 12th December 2022 after a 2023 sub-appropriation meeting with members of parliament Kallon explained that after the repeal of the IMC Act 2020, the commission was given a new mandate, which has led to them needing more staff to carry out those duties. “We need technical support staff, we also need administrative staff and the current staff strength at the commission cannot effectively rollout the 2020 Act” said the Executive Secretary.
Kallon explained that a single individual now performs tasks that should be undertaken by five or six people.
He said that it was difficult for them to fill vacant positions or replace those that have retired or left for other employment.
The Executive Secretary made specific reference to areas where the commission needs technical support staff, highlighting monitoring and research amongst others. He noted that if those areas are filled, it will strengthen the institution and ensure that its presence is felt across the country in relation to media regulation.
Asked whether they do not advertise those positions, Kallon explained that they can only do so after obtaining a concurrence from the Ministry of Finance, adding that it is the ministry that should give them the mandate to employ a specific number of personnel.
He pointed out low staffing has affected their function in regulating and monitoring the media in the 2023 elections.
The commission has 27 workers that are due to retire by the end of the month.
During the sub-appropriation meeting, the Chairman of the Committee Dickson Rogers said that as a vital institution, it should have the required staff especially during the electioneering period.
He asked the committee clerk to take note of the concerns raised by representatives of the commission.
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