Accra (Greater Accra), 16 March ?99 ?

The special Committee set up by the Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills to probe the award of contract for the rehabilitation of the Accra and Kumasi sports stadiums on Monday assured the public that it will do its best to unearth the truth without fear or favour. Speaking to newsmen in Accra, Lieutenant-Colonel Emmanuel Tagoe, Chairman of the three- man Committee said they would delve into the matter and do everything possible to come out with the true situation.

Lt. Col Tagoe said he and his colleagues are aware of the Herculean nature of the task entrusted to them and will do everything possible to serve the interest of the nation and retain the confidence the Vice-President has in them. The committee, he said, also acknowledges the fact that it is not only government, which is interested in letting out the truth but the larger public as well. He, therefore, appealed to individuals and organisations, to assist the committee, by providing information or memoranda to its secretariat at Accra Sports Stadium "Press Room". The Committee sits daily from Monday to Friday between 0900 hours and 1500 hours. However, its proceedings are in camera and not open to the public. He said it is important that memoranda sent should bear the full name and address of the author, who must be prepared to testify or prove the allegations before the committee. "We know how valuable some of these memos could be to the probe, therefore, we shall find time to go through every material and invite the owners of those found relevant".

Lt. Col Tagoe explained that the committee has been working since it was appointed and has used the last two weeks to retrieve documents and other relevant information from the respective ministries, departments and agencies involved in the award of the contracts. He said the committee is now set to deal with members of the public and will start inviting witnesses this week. He appealed to the public, especially the media, to try as much as possible to minimise and discourage comments that would amount to prejudging the matter in order to make the committee's work less difficult and successful. The Committee will initially consider matters regarding the Accra stadium and will move to Kumasi at the appropriate time. Vice-President Mills appointed the committee last month to probe the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of the two stadiums, following public outcry and allegations of irregularities. The committee is to determine whether there were any conflict of interest, as well as examine the mode of purchases made in connection with the rehabilitation work, among other things.