Regional News of Tuesday, 8 June 2004

Source: GNA

Testimonies at NRC should make Ghanaians respect human rights

Koforidua, June 8, GNA - The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah has stated that testimonies of human rights abuses testified before the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) should make Ghanaians commit themselves to respect the human rights of others. He noted with concern that despite the "embarrassing" testimonies some people still have no "scruples in visiting flagrant human rights abuses against others".

Dr Osafo-Mensah said this when members of the NRC, led by its Chairman, Mr Justice K. E. Amua-Sekyi, paid a courtesy call on him when they arrived at Koforidua on Monday. The Commission is to hold a four-day public hearing in Eastern Region.

He expressed the hope that following the testimonies Ghanaians would resolve not to repeat such human rights abuses.

Replying, Mr Justice Amua-Sekyi expressed the hope that the outcome of the Commission's Report would help create a more humane and just society in which the human rights of everyone would be respected. He expressed the Commission's appreciation to donor agencies, including the Centre for Democratic Development, (CDD), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for providing it with logistics to complement government's effort.