The Ombudsman Commission made several follow-ups with a regional office of a government agency on 20 April 2023, 26 May 2023, 4 September 2023, and 21 April 2024 regarding a matter originally registered in 2013. On each occasion, the Commission was informed that there was “no manager to effect letters”, resulting in prolonged delays in progressing the long-outstanding case.
During its investigation, the Ombudsman Commission raised concerns with the responsible government department about the long delay in filling a key management role within the regional office, noting that the vacancy was negatively affecting administrative efficiency and service delivery.
Following the Commission’s persistent intervention, the vacant role was publicly advertised, and interviews were conducted on 28 November 2023. The recruitment and appointment process was finalised on 15 February 2024.
The appointed officer commenced duties on 15 March 2024 and formally took up office in late May 2024, reinstating leadership and oversight necessary for the effective functioning of the regional office.
Through the Ombudsman Commission’s continued follow-up and monitoring, a long-vacant management position within a regional office of a government agency was finally filled, resulting in strengthened administrative capacity and improved responsiveness within the Momase Region.