OMBUDSMAN PAYS COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL AUTHORIZING OFFICE ( NAO)

The Ombudsman Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq has paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the National Authorizing Office at their Offices at Tower Hill in Freetown.

Making a presentation, the Ombudsman said that he is working to build collaboration with MDAs to promote accountability and good governance within the Public/Civil service. He noted that his office is created by the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act 1997 with a mandate to receive and investigate complaints of injustice and maladministration within the Civil/Public Service. He noted that he is mandated to take corrective measures to ensure that employees work in a dignified environment, free of reprisals and other forms of intimidation.

The Ombudsman further noted that his office performs quasi-judicial functions when investigating a complaint by summoning witnesses to appear before him, compelling the production of relevant documents and putting witnesses on oath/affirmations. He noted that the issue of injustices and maladministration clog up the machinery of public administration which hamper effective service delivery.

He further solicited for support towards achieving his mandate as it aligns with the President's Manifesto promise of revamping the Civil and Public Service architecture.

Thanking the Ombudsman and Team, the Director, National Authorizing Office Mr. Ambrose James stated that the NAO is an agency of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development with a mandate to facilitate development between the European Union and the Government of Sierra Leone. He stated that they provide a guide in ensuring that the programs of the Government benefit the citizenry.

He further stated that the Ombudsman's visit is a significant move in ensuring that good governance and administrative justice are achieved with the Civil/ Public Service. He mentioned that the current package of development from the European Union support is largely focused on the environment and green energy.
He thanked the Ombudsman and Team for the visit and pledged his Institution's continued working relationship with the Ombudsman's Office.

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