African Ombudsmen To Meet In Accra

Accra, (Greater Accra) 15 Sept.,

The fifth African Conference of Ombudsman aimed at creating a forum to exchange ideas on issues and assess the performance of the Ombudsman will be held at the Accra International Conference Centre from September 22 to 25. The Commissioner on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Mr. Emile Short told a press conference in Accra today that the four-day conference under the theme "The Importance of Administrative Justice in the Democratisation Process in Africa" will be opened by President Jerry John Rawlings. Participants from 17 African countries are expected to attend with observers from Pakistan and the Commonwealth secretariat. Mr. Short said participants are also expected to discuss the future of the Ombudsman and make appropriate recommendations. He said Ghana was selected to host the conference due to her impeccable record in administrative justice and the sustenance of the protection of human rights in the democratisation process. The conference which is held every two years was last held in Sudan. Mr. Short said Ghana was selected to host the fifth conference because of her impeccable record in the administration of justice and protection of human rights. Sub-topics to be treated by the delegates include the overview of activities of the Ombudsman in Africa, setting up of the Ombudsman and funding the Ombudsman. Ghana is slated to present a paper on ''The experience of Ghana in the area of administrative control'' while the Sudanese delegate would present a review of the fourth conference. The idea of the Ombudsman originated in Sweden in 1809 principally to deal with complaints of unjust or harsh treatment of people by agents of state or government. Ghana had the experience of the office of the Ombudsman between 1970 and 1993. Following the passing of the CHRAJ Act of 1993, the office was taken over by CHRAJ and the Ombudsman Act 400 of 1980 was repealed.