Accra, July 23, GNA - Two women, Madam Otilia Fiagbe and Madam Charity Koomson, who were shot by a militia man at Katamanto in Accra on May 21, I988, on Wednesday petitioned the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) to help them receive their compensation as directed by the Attorney General.
The women said though the case was sent to the Cocoa Affairs court it was adjourned and was never heard after that.
They said they petitioned the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR), the then Inspector General of Police, the Castle, FIDA, CHRAJ and the Attorney-General but all to no avail. The witnesses said all the medical receipts and folders were taken from them at the CDR headquarters.
They said the bullet first hit the hand of Madam Fiagbe, penetrated her thigh and then hit the buttocks of Madam Charity Koomson. Madam Fiagbe was a trader in the market while Madam Koomson, who was about 20 years old then was going to collect some foodstuffs from her mother, then a trader at Katamanto.
An inspection of the bullet scars by the Commission indicated that Madam Fiagbe's right index finger could not bend, while there was a round bullet scar, the size of a coin, at the back of her right hand. Her inner thigh has a bullet scar and a big indented scar where she was operated on, while Madam Koomson had a circular scar at her back and a bullet scar on her right buttocks.
Both victims said they were treated at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where they met Alex Kuma, the militiaman who shot them. They said he was disarmed by the people in the market and beaten after the incident. He sustained injuries and was brought to the hospital.
The witnesses said Alex Kuma pleaded for forgiveness, adding that his action was not intentional.
Madam Koomson said she was a seamstress while Madam Fiagbe said she has stopped trading because she occasionally fell when walking because of the bullet wound.
Justice Amua-Sekyi, Chairman of the Commission, assured the two women that the commission would be their last stop to seek redress, adding that they would definitely receive their compensation.
