Category: news

Published: 22 March 2024

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OMBUDSMAN ENGAGES THE MINISTER OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenye Ballay and a cross section of her Management Team at her Office at Tower Hill in Freetown.

The Ombudsman stated that the Ministry is strategic in the development of Sierra Leone and that his visit is to build partnership and collaboration to ensure that administrative Justice is achieved within the Public and Civil Service.

He stated that his Office looks into the administrative actions of all MDAs including Local Councils. He noted that his Office is mandated to receive and investigate complaints from members of the Public who may have suffered injustices as a result of the actions or omissions of public officials. He noted that injustices and maladministration have clogged up the civil/public service, thereby hampering service delivery.

He also stated that the Ombudsman's office performs quasi-judicial and human rights functions and has also been in a referral partnership with the Human Rights Commission. He further noted that he is seeking support from the MoPED to help his office achieve its mandate.

Responding, the Minister stated that the Office of the Ombudsman has a pivotal role to play in the administration of every public Institution. She noted that her Ministry will continue to support the work of the Ombudsman. She emphasized the need for more collaboration with other institutions in achieving the vision of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Communications Dept
Office of the Ombudsman
076-945-926

Category: news

Published: 03 April 2024

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OMBUDSMAN ENGAGES THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COMPANY (EGTC)

The Ombudsman Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah Esq has paid a courtesy call on the Director General of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company Ing. Milton Ngegbai and his Management Team at their Offices at Kingtom Power House.
The Ombudsman explained his mandate as provided for in the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991 and the Ombudsman Act of 1997. He further noted that his office is a grievance redress Institution that employs Alternative Dispute Resolution processes in handling complaints and also ensures the promotion of good governance. He furthered that the duties of his Office ensure that Public sector staff work in a dignified environment free of reprisals and other forms of intimidation.

He defined injustice and maladministration in relation to the working environment as bias, harshness or general high-handedness, misleading a member of the public as to his rights, losing or failing to reply to correspondences from members of the public.
Thanking the Ombudsman and Team, the Director General of EGTC ING. Milton Ngegbai stated that the work of the Ombudsman's Office is pertinent and relevant to the smooth running of Institutions in the public/Civil service. He said that EGTC responsible for the generation of electricity is relatively compliant as all administrative decisions taken are based on their staff handbook. He also thanked the Ombudsman for the bold steps in sensitizing members of MDAs about maladministration. He further pledged his Institution's continued support to the work of the Office of the Ombudsman.

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

Category: news

Published: 03 April 2024

Hits: 5754

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