NRC urged to be impartial

The Tema Mantse, Nii Adjei Kraku II, has asked members of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) to show impartiality in the discharge of their duties. He further asked them to ensure that revelations made at the commission's sittings are not exploited by some people to create unnecessary tension in the country.

In an interview with the ‘Times’ here, the Tema Mantse said "there will be very touching revelations but be firmly grounded and handle such stories carefully, bearing in mind that the prime purpose for this exercise is to unite the country".

In what he described as a special appeal to traditional rulers, Nii Adjei Kraku asked them to take advantage of the reconciliation mood to sort out any differences and join forces in developing the nation.

"There is no point encouraging the government to help heal the wounds of some citizens while we have big sores that are left untreated", he said, referring to chieftaincy disputes which have polarized many communities and stalled development.

Nii Kraku called for intensive national prayers in the run-up to the commencement of the national reconciliation exercise. "Christians and Muslims should rise up and pray fervently, while traditionalists should offer libation to the gods for a successful exercise," he pleaded.

The Tema Mantse stressed the need for God's intervention to make things work out for the good of Ghana. Referring to the failure of a similar exercise in South Africa, the chief said, it was important for all Ghanaians to support the exercise to achieve a completely united country. He appealed to all victims of past abuses to be willing to heal the wounds they have nursed for years and be ready to forgive their perpetrators. "We all owe the country a duty to let go of the past and forge ahead in unity for the total development of Ghana".