Category: news

Published: 11 January 2019

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On Monday 17^th December the Ombudsman and Team met with staff of the Office of the Ombudsman in Kenema to have a firsthand update on the wellbeing of staff and other staff concerns. The head of Office in Kenema, Gawa Wilfred Amara, gave an analysis of cases received by the office. He stated that they have completed 36 out of the 41 cases received within the year, he noted that there is no computer for the mediation officer and that his office is the only one with an air conditioner. He also requested the Ombudsman to support them with a vehicle or motorcycle to help them to dispatch correspondences and also visit area under their watch.  

Responding, the Ombudsman, Leon Jenkins-Johnston, thanked the staff for holding the fort amidst the challenging situation, he maintained that the challenges are not peculiar to this institution only but many other institutions and promised to look into their issues and find possible solution to some of the challenges highlighted. Whilst in Kenema the Ombudsman and team paid courtesy call to the Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom P.C. Alhaji Alhaji Gbewa Kallon, P.C. Alhaji Alhaji Gbewa Kallon welcomed the Ombudsman and team and expressed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the people Nongowa Chiefdom, he said that he was aware of the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman in Kenema and pledge his support for the office.

Town Chief Alhaji Momodu Gbolia, reported to the Ombudsman that they leased their land to the government and that the lease has not been paid for several years now, as they were promised that they would be paid but that promised has not been fulfilled.

Responding the Ombudsman explained the function of the Office and noted that he will do a follow-up on the matter as reported with the Minister of Land, housing and the Environment Dr. Dennis Sandy.

Also in Kenema the Ombudsman and team visited the Resident Minister East Hon. Andrew Ansu Fatorma. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins- Johnston explained the functions of the Office to him and the Senior District Officer, he stated that the president has requested that all institutions within the government should work amicably in achieving national development.

Responding, the Resident Minister East, Hon. Andrew Ansu Fatorma said that he was happy to receive the Ombudsman and team in Kenema and promised to give the necessary support to the office. He thanked the Ombudsman and team for the visit and ask that the Office work within its clear mandate, he noted that, there is need to advice all MDA’s to work within their mandate as some MDA’s overstep their bounds. He revealed that a lot of authorities do commit maladministration because of the mode of application for job and remuneration for staff is also an issue. He noted that many offices who have operations in Kenema always have to revert to their offices in Freetown for decisions to the taken on the ground. He maintained that he will continue to give the Office of the Ombudsman the necessary support. He asked that a review of the Ombudsman’s act be done to include private security companies as they are not being regulated.

The Ombudsman and team also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman Kenema District Council Mohamed A. Sesay. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston said that the Office of the Ombudsman serves as an interface between the superior and staff in all government institution. He noted that the office tries to resolve issues such as maladministration between employers and employees as some employers takes inconsiderate decision and do not operate within their mandate. He maintained that the office is empowered to ask institution so reverse decision that are not consistent with their grievance redress mechanism. He revealed that the president ask all institution to use the reset button as he is trying to turn the country into a better place for us all. He maintained that the office is created by an Act of parliament and that the Ombudsman has the power of a judge of the courts of Sierra Leone

Responding the Chairman Kenema District Council Mohamed A. Sesay, congratulated the Ombudsman on his appointment and noted that he has been collaborating with the Office in Kenema and that his doors are always open to receive officer from the office to respond to any issue. He pledged his council support towards the office in Kenema.

 Also in Kenema the team paid a courtesy call on the AIG East CSP Francis Nyambe. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston said that the purpose of the visit is to familiarise himself with the police in Kenema. He said he was also on the trip to get a firsthand update on the issues the office is faced with and to also meet stakeholders to develop a working relationship. He revealed that the Office was established by section 146 of the constitution of Sierra Leone. He explained the functions of the office. He stated that it is the presidents dream to see that standards are brought back to its past as there should not be any injustice in public institutions. He noted that the work of the office is to see that laws are implemented without bias or favouritism and to see a Sierra Leone that works for all.

Responding the AIG East CSP Francis Nyambe, thanked the Ombudsman and team and expressed commitment to work closely with the Office of the Ombudsman in Kenema. He stated that the Office has played a pivotal role in restoring sanity to the Government Institutions in the district.   

Whilst in Kenema the Ombudsman and team met with the Mayor of the Kenema City Council Mayor Thomas Baio. Briefing the Mayor the Ombudsman, Leon Jenkins-Johnston said that the team was there to pay respect as tradition demands. He noted that the president has placed priority on discipline and that public life should improve. He revealed that the office of the Ombudsman has several mechanisms to handle complaints but chose mediation as means of settling dispute.

Responding, Mayor Thomas Baio expressed thanks and appreciation to the Ombudsman and team for the visit. He expressed his deepest appreciation to the head of Office, of the Office of the Ombudsman in Kenema whom he referred to as an asset as he has paid a great role in ensuring the administrative justice takes precedence in the council.

Chief Administrator Kenema City Council, Victoria Senessie, express thanks and appreciation to the Ombudsman and team and revealed that she had been a beneficiary of the work of the office of the Ombudsman. She requested that the office should involve in regional sensitization and also ensure that the decisions of the Office should be binding on the institutions.

Concluding the trip to Kenema, the Ombudsman and team paid a Courtesy call on the Commanding Office of the 2^nd Infantry Brigade in Kenema Lt. Col. J. Johnson and team. Briefing the Commanding Officer, Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston said that the Office of the Ombudsman has a direct relationship with the Military as it is also established by the constitution. Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston Esq. read part 1 of the Ombudsman’s Act which states defines “prescribed authority” as “the bodies or persons referred to in the preamble, the Public Service Commission, the Armed Forces, the Police Force, the Prison Service or any institution for which a minister is answerable to Parliament”. He however noted that though the military has its own grievance mechanism it is too complex.

Responding the Commanding Officer Lt. Col. J. Johnson thanked the Ombudsman and team for the visit and pledge his support towards the work of the ombudsman. He requested that a copy of the Ombudsman’s Act be sent to them so that they can better explained them to the Officers and Men of the Brigade during morning parade.

The Executive Secretary in the Office of the Ombudsman, Dr. Sheku S. Conteh said that the Office of the Ombudsman is not against the use of the military’s internal redress mechanism but to work as partners in fighting injustice and hoped that the brigade and the Office continue to work together.

Head of Complaint, Mediation and Investigation Alhaji Mansaray said that the military should not see the Office of the Ombudsman as intruders but the office is there as an administrative watchdog for administrative justice.

Category: news

Published: 11 January 2019

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On Tuesday 18^th December 2018, the Ombudsman and team visited the regional office in Bo and was briefed by the head of office in Bo, Alex Nallo, who highlighted the challenges faced by the office in doing their duties. He noted that they are faced with serious challenges such as lack of adequate logistics and mobility, lack of office phone, complaint boxes not functional, aged equipment and lack of internet facility and failure by MDA’s to reply to correspondences. He revealed that the office received 120 complaints of which 97 have been resolved with 23 under investigation.

Responding the Ombudsman Leon Jenkins- Johnston thanked the Head of Office and team for the good work they have been doing. He said that he is impressed with the outfit. He noted that his visit is to familiarise himself with staff to map the way forward and encouraged them to continue the good work.

The Ombudsman and team visited the AIG South, Bo West division AIG K.S Kamara. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston Esq, thanked the AIG for coordinating a joint meeting with the Resident Minister E.K Allieu, Senior District Officer Alfred Saidu and representatives of various stakeholders in DISEC. He said that he brought a message from the president people should be ready to use the reset button for the country to move forward. He further explained the role and function of the Office of the Ombudsman. He stated that the office of the Ombudsman will investigate any complaint coming from the any member of the public against government institution. He asked that superiors should treat subordinates fairly and all grievance procedures are followed. He stated that the president has asked all citizens to help in the fight against corruption and should press the reset button to move the country forward. He noted that the president want to change the mindset of citizens towards public life. He ask all on behalf of the president to support the free quality education drive. He noted that many government institution sees that Office of the ombudsman as an intruder, as they try to mediate between superiors and subordinate. He revealed that the Ombudsman has the powers of a Judge and can supine anyone to answer question.

Making a contribution, the Resident Minister South Mohamed E.K Allieu, thanked the Ombudsman and team for meeting with them as stakeholders and asked that all stakeholder cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman and that they should treat their subordinate fairly to avoid the intervention of the Office of the Ombudsman. He appealed to the Ombudsman to make available copies of the Ombudsman’s Act so that they can familiarise themselves.

 Later that day the Ombudsman and team met with the resident Judge in Bo, His Lordship Justice Unisa Kamara. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston explained the roles and functions of the office of the Ombudsman. He noted that though Section 8 subsection 1&2 of the Ombudsman Act make provision for exclusion of jurisdiction, he will not come to Bo and not pay a courtesy call on the His Lordship.

His Lordship Justice Unisa Kamara, notes that he was pleased to see that Leon Jenkins-Johnston was the new Ombudsman. He noted that such position comes with added responsibilities and wished the new Ombudsman all the best in his new position.

The team also paid courtesy call on the Mayor of Kenema City Council Dr. Harold Tucker. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston expressed thanks and appreciation for the reception he received. He noted that the council is face with problems of end of service benefits. He noted that this is not a unique problem as it is one of the most frequent complaints received against various councils across the country. The ombudsman explained the roles and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman and asked the mayor to support and coordinate with the Office in Bo.

Responding the His Worship the Mayor, Dr. Harold Tucker welcomed the Ombudsman and team and appeal to the Ombudsman to look into the issue of retirement package. He noted that there are lot of administrative issues with regards benefits and retirement. He noted that the problem was created by the local council themselves and asked the Ombudsman to help those who have already retired. He also noted that the Office of the Ombudsman need to do more in educating the population through various awareness raising programs.

The Ombudsman and team also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman Bo District Council Joseph Munda Bindi. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston explained the roles and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman. He noted that the office serves as a mediator between superiors and subordinate. He revealed that the President is determined to bring discipline in the public life. He asked for the continued support to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Responding the Chairman Bo District Council expressed thanks and revealed that the staff of the council are aware of the existence of the Office of the Ombudsman. He noted that they handle their staff in a humane way. He revealed that he had known about the existence of the office for over five years and because of that he treats his staff as is expected. He noted that we should treat ourselves as sierra leoneans and said that he will convey the message to all other councils as he is the president for all local councils. He ask the Ombudsman to look into the issue human resources especially the conditions of service for Mayors, Chairmen, Councilors as they are not paid but given sitting allowances and also no NASSIT contribution is being paid for them.

The Ombudsman and Team also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Bo Kakua together with other chiefs. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnson said that he is there to pay respect as tradition demands and to if them that the office is within their environs. He reiterated the president’s vision of reintroduction of public life. He noted that the office would not interfere into traditional matters but would look into matters are related to institutional injustice.

Responding, PC Prince Lappia Boima IV, thanked President Julius Maada Bio for appointing young people to take over the affairs of the country. He thanked the Ombudsman for fulfilling the traditional rights in his chiefdom and pledge his commitment to support the Office of the Ombudsman in Bo.  

The Ombudsman and team also made a brief stop at the District Medical Officer and the Medical Superintendent at the Bo Government Hospital. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston explained the roles and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman. He maintained that the institutions is monitoring the hospitals to improve service delivery. He noted that patients should be treated fairly and in cases of discipline due processes should be followed.

Responding the District Medical officer Dr. Roland Carshon Marsh, thanked the Ombudsman and Team for the visit. He noted that the hospital is going through several challenges and ask the Ombudsman to help them in controlling some of the issues.

Dilating further, the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Roland Williamson-Taylor noted that they have a strong team but are faced with several challenges. He explained that the subvention from government is not sufficient and also do not come on time, salaries are not paid on time and people do not want to work in the provinces. He explained that over 200 people working in the region are not on salary since they were recruited in 2016.

Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston promised to look into the challenges and contact the relevant authorities.

Category: news

Published: 11 January 2019

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On Wednesday 19^th December 2018, the Ombudsman and team visited the Regional Office in Makeni and was briefed by the head of office Makeni, Alex Yembeh Mansaray. Mr. Mansaray explained the challenges faced by the office. He noted that the highest complaint received for 2018 was for unpaid benefits. He stated that many institutions do not reply to correspondences from the office. He noted that they have an issue of mobility as they cannot deliver correspondence on time, they cannot enforce the laws as requires, they do not have awareness raising programmes, lack of equipment and furniture, they do not receive pay slips at the end of the month and also do not have internet facility.

Responding, the Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston said that he has received a fresh mandate from the president and he is determined to develop the office and the issues highlighted would be treated with utmost urgency. He noted that the enforcement clause in the Ombudsman’s act will soon be put to test as he will be issuing warrant of arrest for defaulters. He noted that we should change our attitude towards work and bring life to public institutions. He noted that the conditions of service is under review and that he will meet with the communications officer to develop a communication plan.

The Ombudsman and team paid a courtesy call on the Chairman Bombali District Council John S. Koroma. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins- Johnston explained the creation, functions and mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman. He noted that the office serves as a watchdog for administrative injustice. He stated that all complaints against MDA’s should be channeled through the Office of the Ombudsman. He noted that the office together with local councils are partners in development as they strive to prevent injustice. He further explained what constitute administrative injustice and asked that all staff in the council be treated fairly. He said that he is looking forward for the council’s cooperation with the office in Makeni.

The Chief Administrator Bombali District Councils stated that the Office of the Ombudsman has been helpful in dealing with issues of benefits. He noted that they have received support from the office in the past and further explain the success stories. He requested that the office should do more in raising awareness on its activities and also to strengthen it to interface with other institutions in Makeni.

Responding the Chairman Bombali District Council, John S. Koroma said that the visit of the Ombudsman and team is a manifestation of confidence that Sierra Leone is moving in the right direction. He noted that the challenges are everywhere in Sierra Leone and the office of the ombudsman is pivotal in addressing some of these challenges. He revealed that they as chairman of District Councils are suffering as they are not paid salary so they do not have benefits and also there is no NASSIT contribution being paid for them. He stated that they as chairmen of Councils would need the intervention of the Ombudsman’s office to solve some of these challenges they as chairmen are faced with. He requested that the Ombudsman’s Office collaborate with the councils when doing awareness raising. He also asked that the Ombudsman’s office hold town hall meeting to elaborated on its mandate and functions.

Also in Makeni, the Ombudsman and team paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Brigade Commander 4^th Infantry Brigade Col. A. Bangura. The Ombudsman explained the mandates and functions of the office of the Ombudsman. He noted that the Military plays one of the most important role in the country by protecting the territory of Sierra Leone. He noted that though the military has its own internal grievance mechanism it should ensure that the process is strictly adhered to before a personnel is dismissed.

Responding the Deputy Brigade Commander Col. A. Bangura said that, he was happy to receive the Ombudsman and team at the Brigade. He noted that they have been working with the Office of the Ombudsman and that relationship is still cordial. He expressed the willingness to support the activities of the office. Other military officers made valuable comments towards the activities of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Also in Makeni, the Ombudsman and team paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Bai Shebora Kassanga II. PC. Bai Shebora Kassanga II thanked tha Ombudsman and Team for the visit and noted that he is always in touch with the office in Makeni. He noted that the office has been doing a good job and requested that more awareness raising activities should be organized.  

Responding, the Ombudsman Leone Jenkins-Johnston thanked PC Bai Shebora Kassanga II for the good sentiments showered upon the work of the Ombudsman. He noted that the office seeks to work with local authorities when administering justice so that there will be no injustice present when cases are resolved.

The Ombudsman and Team also paid a courtesy call on the Deputy AIG North East, AIG Amara Sesay. The Ombudsman Leon Jenkins-Johnston explained the creation, mandate and function of the Office of the Ombudsman in the country. He noted that he is aware of the Mechanisms put in place by the police i.e CDIID and IPCB, but noted that these instruments are also being monitored by the office as they are also created by an act of parliament. He stressed the need for the Police instruments to be followed before a personnel is dismissed from the force.

Responding the Deputy AIG, AIG Amara Sesay said that they have a cordial working relationship with the Office of the Ombudsman in Makeni. He emphasized the need for awareness raising and the also holding town hall meetings to clearly explain the mandate of the office to stakeholders across the country.

The Ombudsman and Team paid a courtesy call on the Director of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services North- East Region Mrs. Salamatu Koyea Bangura. The Ombudsman Leone Jenkins-Johnston said that the correctional services is a constitutional creation so is the office of the Ombudsman. He noted that the issue incarceration of juvenile and adult is a major concern and notes that thought it is a human right issue, the ombudsman also pays attention to such. He furthered that the Office of the Ombudsman also looks into the activities of institutions created by government or partly by it.

Responding the Director North East Region, Sierra Leone Correctional Services Mrs. Salamatu Koyea Bangura, thanked the Ombudsman for the visit and noted that the correctional services is going through a lot of constraints. She noted that she and her deputy has to construct a meeting place for both inmates and their families to meet with their own money as their subventions do not come on time. She then took the Ombudsman and Team on a Conducted tour or both the Male and Female facilities.