The Office investigates complaints of injustice, unfair treatment, abuse of power, mismanagement, maladministration, discrimination on grounds set out under Chapter IV of the Constitution, corruption, and unfair treatment, perpetrated by public officers against their fellow public officers, or against other members of the public in the execution of official duties.
The Office is mandated to launch both reactive and proactive investigations into the above-mentioned issues variously reflected in the official decisions and actions of public officers; such as, wrongful dismissals or termination of services, denial of promotions, benefits and various entitlements; and trampling on the rights of people in different ways.
By reactive, it means opening investigations into complaints received by the Office. Proactive investigation means initiating investigations into issues of public concern that have been reported in the media or from other credible sources.
When investigations are concluded, the Ombudsman issues recommendations to the heads of institutions. For example where an investigation reveals that a complainant has been wrongfully dismissed, the Ombudsman will recommend the appropriate redress.
It is gratifying to note that for the first time in the history of the Office, people can now file complaints online.
In addition to meeting the desires of genuine complainants in relation to statutory instruments that govern the public service, the Ombudsman recommends corrective actions aimed at changing weaknesses or structural problems within the institutions complained against.