Okudzeto Commission of Enquiry inaugurated

The five-member Okudzeto Commission of Enquiry into the Accra Sports Stadium disaster was inaugurated in Accra yesterday.

Other members are Professor George K. Ofosu Amaah, former Director of the Special Branch, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Akua Kuenyehia, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Legon and Mr Ken Bediako, a veteran Sports Journalist.


President John Agyekum Kufuor who inaugurated the Commission said the government believes in the ability and capacity of the members to deliver a comprehensive report that would stand the test of time.


He said they should determine their own procedure and not feel limited to stay at the Teachers' Hall for their operations but inspect the scene of the disaster and invite experts on the suitability of the structures at the stadium.


"As you take the oath of office, we thank you for accepting to serve the nation. Do not leave anything behind since you appreciate the gravity of the situation that led 126 people dead and over 200 injured."


Mr Okudzeto thanked the government for the honour and confidence reposed in them, saying although it is an onerous task, they would endeavour to accomplish it.


He appealed to the public to assist the commission in the task saying anyone with information to make recommendations to forestall its reoccurrence should make them available to the Commission.

Mr Okudzeto said engineers and architects could also assist by offering advice on the structures of the stadium and how best to protect lives.


In another development Mr Komla Dumor, a presenter at Joy FM, presented a cheque for 356 million cedis to the Stadium Disaster Fund being proceeds from special appeal it launched for the victims.


He said the public should continue to donate to the station at various financial institutions towards the fund.


The Reverend Dr Abraham A. Akrong of the Ghana Police Church also presented a cheque for 10 million cedis.


President Kufuor who received the donations expressed joy at the public spirit being displayed and said, "indeed Ghanaians rally behind each other when faced with a common danger and this is good for the future of the nation."