The proper dispensation of justice is at the heart of every human existence. All peoples of the world need protection of their rights and general well-being. Towards the attainment of this goal, governments create institutions such as the courts to guarantee and protect the rights of the people.
However, the characteristics of court systems suggest the need for a complementary system, and for many countries Ombudsman system offers a good answer. Since the creation of the modern ombudsman in Sweden in 1809, it has gained wider appeal across all continents. For almost two centuries the institution brought great benefit to so many people of the world; unfortunately, The Gambia was absent from the long list of countries with ombudsman institutions until the emergence of the second republic under the leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh.
The constitution of the second republic which was drafted during the transition, sought to accentuate democratic principles and the fundamentals of good governance. The cardinal principles of accountability, transparency and probity were therefore, embedded in it. It was this constitution, which came into force in 1997 that laid the foundation for the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Establishment
The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent public institution created by the Ombudsman Act 1997, in fulfilment of provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia: Section 163 Chapter 10. It became operational in 1999
The Office is headed by an ombudsman with two deputy ombudsmen all three appointed by the president in consultation with the Public Service Commission, confirmed by the National Assembly to serve a term of five years eligible for reappointment
There are three main units: the Investigation Unit, Human Rights Unit and Information and Documentation Unit.