OMBUDSMAN ENGAGES THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION AND MANAGEMENT TEAM

In a bid to strengthen the good working relationship that has existed between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti- Corruption Commission, the Ombudsman Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Commissioner of ACC Mr. Augustine Foday Gobie and his Management Team at their Offices at Tower Hill.

The Ombudsman explained his mandate and functions as stated in the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991 and the Ombudsman’s Act of 1997. He stated that the relationship between the two Institutions has cemented with an MOU which was signed some years ago and that the spirit and the intent of that MOU will continue to strengthen administrative justice. He further explained the methods and processes used in handling complaints. He told the Deputy Commissioner that staff of his Institution face hostilities and other forms of attack as some Heads of Institutions see them as intruders into their administrative actions. He stated that his office works to ensure that the institutions work in accordance with their service charters.

He further stated that his office is raising awareness to ensure that the working environment is conducive for all who are working in MDAs. He further revealed that one of the most annoying issue is that most public officials do not reply to correspondences is considered as maladministration under the Ombudsman’s Act. Thanking the Ombudsman and Team, the Deputy Commissioner ACC, Augustine Foday Gobie, noted that the Ombudsman’s Office needs to raise more awareness on their mandate and functions to people in the regions as they sometimes receive reports about administrative injustices to the ACC. He noted that the ACC has also been facing similar issues from members of the public but because they have prosecutorial powers, people have been complying with them. He told the Ombudsman that the relationship between the two Institutions was indeed strengthened by the signing of the MOU and further noted that the two Institutions will continue with the collaboration and good working relationship.

Communications Dept.
Office of the Ombudsman
076-945-926