Bougainville president visits commission

The National National
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen (left) with Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama (second left) and Ombudsman Commission officials in Port Moresby yesterday. – Picture supplied

AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama met with Ombudsman Commission officers in Port Moresby yesterday to discuss among other things a way forward for the creation of the Bougainville ombudsman commission.
Toroama, while thanking the Ombudsman Commission for the meeting, expressed concern that there were many issues and corrupt practices affecting the Bougainville government which would require assistance to help address.
“I would like to see transparency and accountability instilled in my government to better serve my people,” he said.
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen said the commission was ready to assist Toarama deliver on the commitment made.
Pagen said the commission was ready to provide an induction session for all Bougainville leaders.
“It is the commission’s responsibility to ensure the leaders are aware of their roles and responsibilities for the purpose of good leadership and governance,” he said.
The commission assured Toroama that it would continue to work with his government to develop enabling laws that would allow for the establishment of the Bougainville ombudsman commission.