....Reconciliation Concentrates On Military Governments
The Member of Parliament for Ho West, Francis Agbotse, has warned of a possible coup d’etat if the proposed National Reconciliation Commission is given mandate to investigate only military regimes. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP claims that if the commission were tasked to only investigate human rights violations committed under unconstitutional governments, some elements within the Armed Forces would consider it as a persecution of the military.
This, he said, could create some discontent in the army with a possible military take over in protest of the persecutions. Mr. Agbotse, urged Ghanaians to disabuse their minds off the notion that coup d’etats are a thing of the past saying that they can happen at anytime and should therefore be prevented.
The proposed reconciliation bill grants immunity against criminal prosecution. Mr. Agbotse however says civil action can be taken against witnesses. He believes that clear parameters should be defined to protect witnesses who testify before the commission.
The majority NPP has contended that the reconciliation should focus on only military regimes but the Minority NDC wants it to focus all human rights abuses committed from 1957 when the country attained independence and 1993 when the country returned to constitutional rule. The debate enters its third day on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the MP for Ho Central, Kofi Attor has warned that the reconciliation commission could be an expensive exercise. According to him, that as much as $20,000 could be spent on the commission, adding it is imperative that commission’s mandate is clearly spelt out to achieve its primary aim.
According to the provisions of the reconciliation bill, the Commission should complete its work one year after it has been established but Mr. Attor contends that one year it too short a time.
