CHRAJ - Administrative Justice Mandate

Mandate

As the Ombudsman of Ghana, CHRAJ ensures that public officials act fairly and avoid arbitrariness or bias.

The Administrative Justice functions of CHRAJ replace the former Ombudsman’s office, originally created in 1970.

Investigations & Responsibilities

The Commission is responsible for investigating:

• Maladministration, abuse of power, and unfair treatment by public officials.
• Discrimination, delays, omissions, or failures by public institutions.
• Actions of government ministries, departments, and agencies causing injustice or hardship.
• Unequal access to recruitment into public services (MDAs, Police, Prisons, Armed Forces, etc.).
• Cases of maladministration, abuse of office, or unfair treatment.
• Public education efforts to ensure accountability in government.

Powers of the Commission

• Can request institutions or individuals to submit documents, records, or information for investigations.
• Can summon institutions or individuals to appear before the Commission.
• Can take legal action to ensure compliance with its recommendations.

Matters Outside the Commission’s Mandate

• Cases already pending in court.
• Disputes between the Government of Ghana and another government or international organization.
• Cases where the President exercises the prerogative of mercy (such as pardons).