More than 60 people made statements and complaints on human rights abuses during periods of unconstitutional regimes in the country to the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) in Accra on Tuesday, the first working day of the Commission.

The complaints were mostly on confiscation of property, torture and unlawful detention between 1966 and 1985. The Chairman of the NRC Mr Justice Kweku Etru Amua-Sekyi gave the number of statements and complaints and their nature to journalists in Accra, after the beginning of the nation-wide exercise. As at 1300 hours, Mr Justice Amua-Sekyi described the turnout in Accra as good and said he has received reports that 23 statements and complaints have so far been taken in Kumasi.

The NRC was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 611, to seek and promote national reconciliation among the people by recommending appropriate redress for persons, who have suffered any injury, hurt, damage, grievance or have in any other manner been adversely affected by violations and abuses of their human rights arising from activities or in-activities of public institutions and persons holding public office during periods of unconstitutional government and to provide for related matters.

The unconstitutional periods named are from 24 February 1966 to 21 August 1969; 13th January 1972 to 23rd September 1979; and 31st December 1981 and 6th January 1993. The Commission, which has one year and three months to submit its report and recommendations to government, may on application by any person pursue the object of reconciliation in respect of human rights violation in any other period between 6th March 1957 and 6th January 1993.

Mr Justice Amua-Sekyi described the day as very important in the work of the Commission and said government has so far released 87,000 dollars, about 700 million Cedis out of the budgeted five million dollars to the Commission. This, he said, has been used to purchase some equipment for the Commission and indicated that more money would be released within the next two weeks. So far zonal offices have been opened in Kumasi, Takoradi, Bolgatanga, Tamale and Ho.

Reconciliation - High Expectations And Mixed Feelings

Joy Online -- The work of the National Reconciliation Commission got off to what officials at the commission describe as an impressive start today at designated centres throughout the country. The commission, which has been established to investigate state-sponsored human rights abuses under unconstitutional regimes, is receiving petitions and statements in preparations for the actual hearings. Investigators and researchers will assess the petitions received and recommend whether they warrant hearing by the reconciliation panel. The Commission?s chairman, Justice Amua-Sakyi told a press briefing that he was impressed by the number of petitions and statement received today throughout the country. ?This will continue for sometime until we have enough complaints to enable us actually start sittings,? the commission chairman said.

JOY FM spoke to a lady who claims to have been amputated as a result of injuries sustained in a bomb blast at the Accra Sports Stadium in 1967. She is hopeful that the work of the commission will help her overcome her grief. ?With Mr. Kufuor as President my needs will be met. All I want is a house, a car and a special doctor to take care of me? she said.

Our team also spoke to a retired military officer who says he has not yet made up his mind whether to petition the commission or not. He says the indemnity clause in the constitution makes the reconciliation process seem like a big joke. ?I personally believe that you can?t talk of reconciliation when the perpetrator hasn?t shown remorse?, he said. ?In the first place, the indemnity clause in our constitution should be removed.?