Help me know the fate of my father - Witness

Accra, July 24, GNA - Madam Alice Nana Oye Bismark, daughter of a man, who disappeared in 1984, on Thursday pleaded with the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) to help the family to know his fate. She said her father, Mr. B.B. Bismark, known as Nana Osae Ntifu Ababio, was former Chief of Aburi Adonteng Traditional Area.

Madam Bismark said her father disappeared in 1984 when he said his life was in danger and was living in a state of panic.

Madam Bismark, a proprietress of a school, said before her father left their home for the last time, he informed the family that some people had advised him to flee the country because his life was in danger and had volunteered to drive him to Togo.

The Witness said not long after that he disappeared, adding that it was still a mystery to the family whether a car or some people really came for him.

Madam Bismark said her father, who was a CPP member, was arrested two weeks after the June 4, 1979 revolution and detained at the Military Intelligence, where his hair was shaven and he was beaten beyond recognition.

She said his father was not told why he was arrested. He suffered from ulcer and he was kept in detention until his ulcer worsened and he asked to be taken to the hospital.

"Dr Seth Koranteng in charge of the detainees at the Police Hospital said my father was faking illness and was ignored," she said. Madam Bismark added that when the sickness became worse soldiers rushed him to the same hospital where one Dr Andani suggested he should undergo surgery.

She said the operation was done at Korle Bu and Mr Bismark was brought back to the Police Hospital. He was released two weeks after the AFRC handed over.

Madam Bismark said her father led a normal life until the 1981 coup when he started living in a state of panic, whenever he saw a military jeep or armoured car.

She said her father was happy when he heard about the Giwa coup in 1983 proclaiming that his fears were over. Madam Bismark said her left the their residence in 1984 adding, "until today we do not know which car drove him or where he was taken to."

The Witness said after some weeks when the family did not hear anything about her father she followed up to Togo to look for him. She said she was 24 years old then and went to all the places where her father might reside and the people he knew, including one Mr Ernest Arko and Colonel Bennie, but could not see him.

Ms Bismark said she travelled to London when the family had information that her father was residing there, but none of the numerous family members knew of his whereabouts.

She said the family later heard he was in Germany with some business associates while other sources indicated he was in Africa. The Witness said the people of Aburi Adonteng had no option than to install a new chief in the absence of her father.

Bishop Palmer Buckle, a Commissioner, appealed to any member of the public who knew where Mr Bismark might be to contact the Commission.