Ombudsman Act , 1997
An Act establishing the office of Ombudsman to investigate complaints of maladministration against public bodies in Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Ombudsman Act, 1997 establishes the office of Ombudsman in Sierra Leone to investigate complaints by members of the public of injustice caused by maladministration on the part of government departments and other public authorities.
The Act provides for the appointment, independence and functions of the Ombudsman, the handling and investigation of complaints, the powers of the office to obtain information and summon witnesses, and the making of recommendations to remedy injustice. It provides an accessible, non-judicial avenue of redress against poor administration and strengthens accountability and good governance in the public service.
Main provisions
- Establishes the office of Ombudsman and provides for its independence.
- Empowers the Ombudsman to investigate complaints of maladministration.
- Confers powers to obtain information and summon witnesses.
- Provides for recommendations to remedy injustice.
- Offers a non-judicial avenue of redress and strengthens accountability.