With its leadership in place, the Office of the Ombudsman embarked on building its organizational and operational framework from May to December 2024. Though being allocated a modest budget of $100,000 by the National Legislature, President Boakai provided a grant of US$138, 875.00 for the operationalization of the Office. The Office began to establish its priorities with the support of professional volunteers, including Mr. Saa David Nyuma Jr., Mr. Amos Williams, Ms. Angeline McGill, Samuel Cummings, Mr. Siewon T. Seidi, Amb. R. Van Ross, and Atty. Jeremiah Dugbo. This early team played a critical role in evolving a strategic direction including lobbying, developing a comprehensive work plan that outlined the office’s strategic direction emhpasizing public engagement, learning adapting and office setup. Subsequently, these efforts established the basis for the implementation of the office’s mandate.
The Office quickly initiated collaborations with both state and non-state actors across Liberia’s three branches of government, and individuals to foster a cooperative approach in fulfilling its mandate. Local partners, including CENTAL, the Ducor Institute, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building, and NAYMOTE, played a significant role in the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, providing crucial support and contributions to its foundation and development. Additionally, partnerships with international organizations, such as US embassy/USAID, World Bank, French Embassy, Sierra Leone Embassy, were established to secure support for governance reforms, further bolstering the Office’s capacity to promote diligence and discipline.
