Judgement debt Commission to resume public sittings Dec 17

The Commission of Inquiry established by His Excellency President John Mahama to enquire into judgement debt payments and other related matters will resume sitting after a short break from Monday December 17, 2012

The Commission will continue through to Wednesday December 19, 2012 at the Old Parliament House, Accra opposite the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

According to a statement signed by the Commission's Public Relations Officer, George William Dove, the general public was reminded that Public sittings would be held at 10.00 a.m. each day and close at 4.00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

"Members of the public who wish to testify or volunteer information are first to report at the Commission’s office to give their statement. The Commission will then schedule a date for them to give evidence. All those who intend to testify or volunteer information to the Commission but are unable to be present in person are requested to submit memoranda to the Commission. All such memoranda will be treated confidentially," the indicated noted.

The Commission also assured persons who wished to testify or assist the Commission in its work that their identities will be protected and their safety guaranteed.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Commission are: -

a) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments made from public funds in satisfaction of judgment debts since the 1992 Constitution came into force;

b) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments from public funds and financial losses arising from arbitration awards, negotiated settlements and akin processes since the 1992 Constitution came into force; and

c) To make recommendations to the Government for ensuring that, as far as practicable

i.The instances where public funds are utilized to make payments in satisfaction of judgment debts and public debts arising from akin processes are limited;

ii.Government does not incur undue financial losses when it does business with private persons or institutions.