General News of Thursday, 6 November 2003

Source: Statesman

NRC To Subpoena Rawlings

The National Reconciliation Commission may use the force of law to compel former President Jerry John Rawlings to appear before the Commission to clear himself of allegations of human rights violations.

The former President has been accused of complicity in the abduction and murder of the three High Court Judges and retired Army officer by some of the witnesses, who appeared before the Commission, notable among them were Corporal Adabuga and Chris Asher.

According to the Executive Secretary of the NRC, Dr Ken Attafuah, the Commission may exercise its power of subpoena to compel Rawlings to appear, if it becomes necessary, especially where there is credible and incontrovertible evidence against him.

“If we get to a point where we may exercise our power of subpoena, we shall do”, he said.

Rawlings has repeatedly turned down several invitations from the Commission in compiling a complete, accurate and historical record of human rights violations in the country.