NRC Denies Allegation

THE National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) described as unfortunate the allegation by Dr Abdul Gamel Nasser, chairman of the Political Affairs Committee of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), that there are cases against the UP which should have been heard by now but the commission has chosen to hear only those against the revolutionary and PNDC eras.

A statement issued in Accra yesterday and signed by Ms Annie Anipa, Director of Public Affairs of the commission in reaction to the June 30, 2003 edition of the Daily Graphic, challenged Dr Nasser to provide evidence of the cases he referred to.

“On the other hand, the commission will also welcome evidence from anyone who has filed a statement during the period under reference,” it said.

It said the commission has been coding the statements of human rights violations received during the periods its mandate covers.

It gave a breakdown of the 1,957 statements coded over the period as PNDC, 1240; CPP 128, SMC, 82, AFRC 305; PNP, 29; NLC, 108, NRC, 65 and PP, zero. The statement gave the assurance that although the commission may not hear all cases filed, all statements will be reviewed and appropriate recommendations made and that this will reflect in its final report.

It said the commission will continue to receive statements from the public till August 31, 2003 at the zonal offices and January 13, 2004 at its headquarters. It, therefore, requested persons who have suffered human rights abuses under all governments from March 6, 1957 to January 6, 1993, to file their statements before the deadline.