Alhagie Sowe, The Gambia’s new Ombudsman, has unveiled plans for the establishment of a new Office of the Ombudsman in Basse, Upper River Region, which will also serve Central River Region.

Mr Sowe made this disclosure on Friday in Janjangbureh where he was recieved by Ganyi Touray, Governor of Central River Region, on his nationwide tour.

According to the new Ombudsman, there are two departments under the Office of the Ombudsman: these are the investigation and Human Rights departments.

He added that the Office of the Ombudsman gives citizens adequate opportunity to test the legality and fairness of any administrative decision, saying the office is also a referee which looks at all sides of any problem brought before it.

He then assured the people of Central River Region of free and available services to anyone who has a problem, as enshrined in the laws of the Office of the Ombudsman since its establishment by the Gambian leader Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh.

Ebou Faye, director of investigations under the Office of the Ombudsman, noted that people with complaints are encouraged to bring those complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman, where they will be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

He further asserted that the office has the power to investigate, recommend, correct actions, issues and reports, and enforce orders.

For his part, Governor Ganyie Touray commended the President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh for establishing the Office of the Ombudsman,saying it is a show of visionary leadership.

According to Governor Touray, the establishment of the office “is timely” and will greatly enhance the fight against injustice and maladministration.

Other speakers on the occasion included Pa Kebba Keita, a member of the Office of the Ombudsman, who dilated on the powers of the Ombudsman reiterating its ability to investigate the functions of the Public Service Commission, injustice, corruption, abuse of office and power, mismanagement and unfair treatment of civil servants.

Chief Bakary Jam Jawo of Janjangbureh, Chief Pierre Bah of Niani and Chief Alasan David Cham of Nianija graced the occasion.