Mills sets up Commission to probe Ghana@50 activities

Accra, June 4, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills has appointed a three-member Commission of Enquiry to look into the activities of the Ghana@50 Secretariat that planned and implemented the celebration of the country's Golden Jubilee celebration two years ago.

The Commission is headed by Mr Isaac Duose of the Court of Appeal, with Mr Osei Tutu Prempeh, former Auditor General and Ms Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, a lawyer, as members.

Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson, told a press conference in Accra that the President was satisfied that the enquiry was of public interest.

The Commission, which would sit in public, is mandated to inquire into and report on allegations of improper use of funds and the use of movable and immovable property by the Secretariat. The Commission will also enquire about any other matter which appears to it to be incidental to, or reasonably related to the celebrations which in its opinion ought to be probed. The Commission has the powers of a High Court and could allow witnesses to appear before it.

Witnesses are also entitled to the same privileges as in the case of a High Court.

However, a person shall not be subject to any civil or criminal proceedings under any enactment by reason of that person's compliance with a requirement of the Commission.