Reconciliation Committee Short Of Funds

After one month of its operation, the National Reconciliation Commission is cash-strapped. Information available reveals that apart from lack of funds to purchase logistics for the commission the salaries of the commissioners have not been paid as at the time we filed this story.

Disclosing this at a Press briefing in Accra, the Public affairs Director of the Commission, Ms Annie Anipa said logistics such as computers, transport, radio cassette recorders and other vital ones are very limited to the commission. She said the chairman of the commission is co-ordinating with government to look for extra funds out of government budget. As at now the commission can boast of only 4 computers in its set up. Despite this predicament Ms Anipa gave the assurance that the NRC is not alarmed.

She debunked any fear that the situation would delay the commission’s work and said at the moment work is progressing and it is hoped that in a year’s time the NRC will diligently complete its work. On other issues Ms Annie Anipa said the commission is yet to give deadlines as to when it will stop receiving complaints.

She refuted the rumour that the commission had set a deadline and said it will announce the dead-line when it decides. She reiterated that the commission is a fact finding body which will make recommendations to the President based on thorough investigations into claims of alleged human rights violations and not a court to accuse any person. As at the time this story was being prepared, the commission had received complaints of seizure of property, torture and ill-treatment.

According to a statement by the commission, having been based at some of the regional capitals the zonal offices are now poised to move into other regions to take statements. The Kumasi Zonal office which is also responsible for Eastern Region will soon set up a temporary office in the Eastern Region to receive statements.

Tamale has moved to Sunyani while the Takoradi office will do the same for Cape Coast to receive statements in Brong Ahafo and Central Regions respectively. So far the counselling Directorate has provided counselling services to 142 alleged victims of human rights violations and abuse.

They are made of 104 men and 38 women of diverse backgrounds including soldiers, business people and traders.