NRC continues work

Accra, Sept. 30, GNA - Mrs. Lydia Armah, a witness, who appeared before the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) on Tuesday said on May 2, 1977, policemen seized 14 packets of roofing sheets she was selling in her store at Akim Oda.

She said her husband, Mr. J.O. Armah was also detained for three weeks without interrogation and called on the NRC for compensation. Mrs Armah said after the policemen took the roofing sheets away, she was asked to see Colonel Osei, then the Eastern Regional Commissioner at Koforidua, who informed her that he had taken possession of the roofing sheets.


She said, she was dealing in building materials, electricals and sewing materials, adding that none of the other items were seized. Madam Armah said she later had a vision during her prayers that the government in power lead by General Kutu Acheampong knew nothing about the activities of the soldiers and policemen. According to the witness, she later sent a letter to the Head of State through Mr William Ofori-Atta, adding that she received a reply which she handed over to the Commission.


Mr. Fred Coif Wiredu, a Timber Merchant at Nkawkaw, who also appeared before the NRC appealed to the Commission to help pay him the current value of a 12-seater Land Rover that he took a loan to buy in 1981, but which was later seized by soldiers in December.


He said, he took a loan of 95,040 cedis at the Takoradi Merchant Bank that he paid to the Ghana Timber Marketing Board to order the Vehicle for him.

Mr. Wiredu said due to the December 31, 1981 coup, his business collapsed resulting in his inability to complete payment of the loan, adding that he still had 300,000 cedis left to pay. He asked members of the Commission for compensation to enable him to look after his children.


Mr. Wiredu, who is now blind due to an illness he suffered also prayed the Commission to recommend to government, measures that would prevent people from organising coups, adding, "it only destroys and kills.''


General Emmanuel Erskine, Member of the Commission said Mr. Wiredu's plea to prevent coups coincides with one of the aims that the NRC was set up, adding that the members would ensure that their final report incorporated all those issues. more