The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent institution established by Section 146 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No.6 of 1991) and the Ombudsman Act (Act No.2 of 1997). The Office is empowered to investigate complaints from members of the public, who have suffered injustice as a result of maladministration, by government officials, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The head of the office is referred to as the Ombudsman.

The present Ombudsman is Leon Jenkins-Johnston Esq. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone, Commissioner of Oaths and Notary Public. Leon Jenkins-Johnston Esq. is a graduate from Holborn Law College, London, in      partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB). He was called to the Bar in 2005 and has practiced for over 14 years. He is qualified to be appointed a Judge of the Superior Courts of Judicature. He did his Postgraduate studies in International     Commercial Law at the University of Bournemouth, in the United Kingdom.

The Ombudsman receives complaints about injustice and maladministration from persons who feel that they have been unfairly treated by government agencies or officials, and have tried to resolve the matter without success.

He also has the power to investigate, mediate and recommend corrective actions.

In addition, he can also receive information from any person or source, other than a complainant.

The Ombudsman has the power to demand any information or documents from any    public body complained of.

He can require any official to provide information about a complaint. If the Ombudsman finds that the complaint is justified, he would then take action to       resolve the problem.

If a person who is required to provide information fails to do so the Ombudsman has the powers of the High Court to issue subpoena and compel the attendance of witnesses and can bring charges of obstruction against persons who interfere with his work.

Normally, a complaint is submitted in writing. If the complainant is illiterate, a verbal complaint would be received and recorded in a written form by an Official in the office of the Ombudsman.

A complaint could be delivered by hand, sent by post or through its website.

 All relevant documents must be attached to the complaint.

The complaint will be acknowledged and an investigation conducted promptly in a private and professional manner.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant will be informed of the outcome.

Normally, A complaint is submitted in writing and signed by the complainant. If the complainant is illiterate, a verbal complaint is received and recorded in a written form by an official in the Office of the Ombudsman. A Complaint could be delivered by hand, sent by post or through this website. All relevant documents must be attached to the complaint. The complaint will be acknowledged and an investigation conducted promptly. At the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant will be informed of the outcome.

After a thorough investigation of a complaint, the Ombudsman may take appropriate action to remedy, correct or reverse the act through:

1.  Mediation
2.  Reporting of findings and recommending corrective actions to the Head of the Institution, or the Minister, as the case maybe.

4.  Drawing the attention of the Government to any defect in the law,
5.  Drawing the attention of the Attorney-General to any contravention of the criminal law, discovered in the course of investigation.

In most instances a public authority or body will comply with the Ombudsman's recommendations. However, if for any reason the body concerned fails to act on the Ombudsman's recommendations, the Ombudsman can present a report on the matter to His Excellency the President. If after three months no action is taken by the President, the Ombudsman will refer the matter to Parliament.