Reburials, a first step towards reconciliation

Distraught, broken but satisfied-looking relatives, friends and loved ones of two of the eight ex senior military officers who were executed 22 years ago, on Thursday eulogised them, describing their re-burial as a significant step towards healing wounded and bitter hearts.

They thanked the government for its determination to see the event through in comments after the solemn reburial of the remains of Lieutenant-General Robert Ebenezer Abossey Kotei and Air-Vice-Marshal George Yaw Boakye both members of the erstwhile Supreme Military Council Two that ruled from 1978 to 1979.

Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Erskine, former UNIFIL Commander said Ghanaians must be happy that "after 22 long years, family and friends can point to a spot that they can identify their past with."

He said: "though we would have expected something more military, we are happy that we have been given something. It is also within the spirit of reconciliation and we are grateful."

Mr Twumasi Boakye, brother of Air-Vice Boakye described the re-burial as "a worthwhile event, significant in that it puts to rest our worries as to where our loved ones were buried.

''It removes the anguish and bitterness that we harboured all these years for our brothers killed under mysterious circumstances.

"If there was any bitterness or revenge, its all over. We do not bear any grudge or hatred against anyone. It is a bitter experience but we can put it behind us and move on."

He said as family they were most grateful to government for its understanding and approval of their request for re-burial.

Mr Boakye said the timing was also significant since it came at a period preceding the constitution of a National Reconciliation Commission. "To the country it offers us several lessons that cannot be wished away. It tells us that their blood was not shed in vain, that it will help us unite as a people."

Squadron Leader Clend Sowu (RTD) said: "It is significant as it helps us put things behind us and move on as single, united people with a common destiny." He prayed that never again should such pain befall the country and expressed the hope that Ghanaians would all work to make real democracy thrive.

Mr Kwame Pianim, an economist, said the event was significant because it would discourage military adventurism. "It is a celebration that we can bury a sordid part of our history. A celebration of a new Ghana where all of us insist on due process even to our worst enemies."

He said it offered the opportunity to help build a stable, united country based on rule of law, ending all military adventures.He urged Ghanaians to be patient and give democracy the chance to succeed.

Captain Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey (RTD), Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said it was a first step in healing the nation's wounds.

"This re-burial is significant and very historic to all Ghanaians. It is a step in the right direction to heal wounds and make it possible to forge ahead and to curb bitterness in people for a new beginning."

He commended the President for his foresight and wisdom in approving the re-burials.