FSQA Staff Petition Embattle DG to Resign

By Landing Colley

Staff of Food Safety and Quality Authority have renewed their petition demand on their embattled director general to resign.

Last year, the authority staff petitioned the director general over allegations including abuse of office and unfair treatment of staff and demanded her to resign. But according to a letter issued to the press indicated that at least 22 staff have been sent home on administrative leave.

Food inspector official of the authority Alhagie Sow, who spoke at Wednesday news conference said: “after three weeks of the investigation since in November we have never heard the outcome of the report against the Director General as this is not the first petition against her.”

“We do not honor the decision by the DG to send us on postings as they have a petition at hand against her that has to be addressed,” Mr Sowe told journalists.

We hardly conduct staff meetings as she never accepts exchange of ideas or simple suggestion from others and since June last up to date staff meeting has not been conducted, he said.

Saidina Alieu Jarjou, an administrator and human resource officer said: “I believe 70% of the staff has been ignored some who were frustrated resign adding that if we all resign who will be here for our people and food safety is very vital in this country.”

“The petition does not require adding of salary saying it is about her abuse of the office as the Director General of food safety. The Director General claims lack of funds but she travels frequently noting that the money can be use to buy laptop for the staff and also offices can be provided,” Mr Jarju said.

Maa Gomez also food inspector at sea ports said after proper investigations was constituted and carry out there was no feedback adding that it is proper for them to get feedback of the outcome of the investigation before the posting of the staff.

“We have nothing against her personal the petition needs to be file due to some her leadership system she has that is why we petition her”, she said.