Gen. Erskine did not use the word "intransigence"

Accra, Aug. 25, GNA - The National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) said on Tuesday that Lieutenant General Emmanuel Erskine, a Member of the Commission, never used the word "intransigence" when he advised factions in the Dagbon conflict during the testimony of a witness.

"He rather advised the two factions in the Northern conflict to shift from their entrenched positions", a statement from the Commission, signed by the Commission's Public Affairs Director, Ms Annie Anipa, said.

The reporter introduced the word "intransigence".

The NRC attached the verbatim report of the testimony of the witness, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahama, on July 24.

The Commission expressed the hope that despite the current difficulties, peace would be achieved in due course in Dagbon.

The verbatim report said: "Well, I'm happy to note that you are playing that role. I, personally, would hope that both positions, both sides do make a shift, a shift, from the entrenched positions so that there could be some sort of amicable resolution of the crisis. I think it's been going on for a very long time and you and I and this Commission, I think we have an important role to play.

"If indeed, we can make an effort to reconcile this country, some compromises are important. Entrenched positions cannot help. We have to shift and I'm appealing to you. You are my very, very respected brother. I'm appealing to you to your brothers in the North to try and see how best you can help us, not only the Commission, but also the whole country to have some peace.

"I thank you very much for coming. Ibrahim."