In continuation of his Courtesy calls on the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Freetown, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Leon Jenkins-Johnston has paid a visit to the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone, where he met with the Second Secretary Niamh Kavanagh and Program Advisor – Governance Josephus Ellie.
Briefing the team the Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston Esq. said that the Office of the Ombudsman was created by section 2 of section 146 of the constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991. He noted that the office is created to look into issues of maladministration within government institutions. He revealed that the office lacks the capacity to handled cases as he is the only legal practitioner in the office.
He further stated that upon assumption of office, he met a well-structured and developed strategic plan that has not been implemented. He noted that he is seeking support for the implementation of the goals within the strategic plan which are:
- To create a technically competent, internally cohesive, efficient and effective institution
- To be Autonomous and Financially independent
- To be more visible and accessible to the public
- To Impact positively on governance and service delivery.
He expressed his willingness to work with the governance portfolio within the Irish Aid to achieve these goals.
Second Secretary in the Irish Embassy, Niamh Kavanagh, on behalf of the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, thanked the Ombudsman and Team for visiting the Embassy. She noted that the embassy is in the process of developing its strategic programs for the next five years. She therefore requested that the Ombudsman present a specific proposal for the consideration of Irish Aid. She thanked the Ombudsman and Team for the work that they have been doing under the present condition and promised to work with the Office in future endeavors.
Program Advisor- Governance, Josephus Ellie, said that the work of the governance portfolio is to strengthen Civil Society Organizations and National Institution working on the governance structure. He noted that they are now in the decision making process and hoped that the office of the Ombudsman would work closely with the Irish Embassy to be included in the package.
Communications Unit
Office of the Ombudsman
Republic Of Sierra Leone
