By Ragan M. Conteh

The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Employment and Labour Security has officially adjourned its session to May 30, 2025, giving Mr. Arjan Fofanah whose dismissal from the Office of the Ombudsman is under scrutiny ample time to present evidence supporting his claim of wrongful termination.

In a tense but orderly session chaired by the committee’s leader, concerns were raised over the lack of concrete evidence submitted by Mr. Arjan during previous appearances. The chair clarified that while summaries and meeting minutes have been submitted, these do not constitute admissible evidence under parliamentary review.

“We are not here to accept minutes and summaries,” the Chairperson stated. “You were asked to bring documentary evidence showing why your dismissal was unlawful. The committee is guided by the Employment Act and national labour policies, and we expect submissions to reflect that,” he insists.

Mr. Arjan’s case was first discussed during a session on April 30th, 2025, where he claimed he was wrongfully dismissed by the Ombudsman’s Office. However, the Chairperson stressed that for the committee to take a definitive position, both parties must present factual, law-backed documentation.

The committee emphasized fairness, stating that both the Ombudsman’s Office and Mr. Arjan will be accorded equal opportunity to defend their positions. “The Ombudsman’s Office has already submitted its position, referencing relevant laws and policies. Mr. Arjan must now do the same,” the Chair said.

The committee also made it clear that it is not within their power to issue final rulings but rather to prepare a report for the Speaker of Parliament, who mandated the inquiry. “When we are done, any party not satisfied can take the matter to court,” the Chairperson said.

Mr. Arjan is expected to return before the committee on Friday, May 30th, 2025, accompanied by all necessary legal and policy-based documentations. The Ombudsman’s Office will also be officially notified to appear at the same session for cross-examination.

In closing, the Chairperson reminded all parties of their responsibility to respect parliamentary procedures and avoid actions that could be construed as contempt of Parliament.

“This process must be transparent and evidence-based. Our report will be impartial, focusing on the facts and the legal frameworks presented by both parties. Until then, this House is stood down,” the Chair concluded.