In providing the Civil Service and Public Service with knowledge and information on the mandate of his office, the Ombudsman, Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah, Esq., paid courtesy visits to various institutions to highlight the role of his office in combating injustice caused by maladministration.
During a visit to the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Dennis Sandy, the Ombudsman emphasized his office’s responsibility to ensure due processes are followed in disciplinary and administrative actions across various government bodies. He noted the alignment of his mandate with one of the President’s manifesto promises aimed at revitalizing the public service by recruiting professionals. Additionally, he underscored the importance of fostering working relationships with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
In response, the Minister acknowledged the significance of the Ombudsman’s Office for civil servants, public servants, and politicians alike. He encouraged the public to utilize the office as a dispute resolution institution rather than resorting to the courts. He stressed the importance of diligence among staff to avoid disciplinary actions and pledged ongoing support from his ministry to the Ombudsman’s Office.
In another effort to strengthen relationships, the Ombudsman visited the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) to discuss his mandate as outlined in the Ombudsman Act of 1997. He highlighted the role of his office in investigating actions taken by statutory corporations and institutions of higher learning funded by public funds. The Ombudsman emphasized the importance of using his office as a grievance redress mechanism.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU expressed appreciation for the recognition of the university’s role and affirmed their commitment to preventing injustice and maladministration within the institution. He noted the use of harmonized conditions of service and existing redress mechanisms, pledging continued collaboration with the Ombudsman’s Office.
Overall, these engagements demonstrate the Ombudsman’s proactive approach to educating stakeholders and fostering collaboration to uphold standards of governance and accountability.
