The Chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission, Mr. Justice K.E. Amua-Sekyi says he is going on a national tour to acquaint himself with the work and any problems of the zonal offices of the commission.
At a press briefing in Kumasi on Wednesday, Justice Amua-Sekyi said expectations are high that the commission would commence its work expeditiously, but there are some problems that need to be addressed.
The primary need is that of funds. He explained that a total budget of US$5 million has been earmarked for the commission. The government of Ghana is to provide $1.5million and $3.5million is expected to come from foreign donors.
He said the government has released approximately $150,000 to the commission, but it needs at least $500,000 to function effectively.
Enumerating the needs of the commission, Justice Amua-Sekyi said it has only one vehicle, a pick-up which cost 170 million cedis. He said it was cheaper buying the vehicle than hiring a saloon car at a cost of over 13 million cedis every three weeks.
The commission needs to create a website and the equipment, maintenance and fees are almost $10,000. He said foreign NGO has offered the commission the software for creating a database on human rights violations, but it the hardware has to be procured at a cost of about $4000. He said the documentation section is in dire need of equipment for collecting data and for storage of information. The commission has approached a foreign NGO, which is likely to give about Euro 50,000.
Justice Amua-Sekyi said that the commission is in constant touch with the authorities about these needs and does not doubt their sincerity in finding ways of meeting them.
He cautioned the public about the time limit and said the commission has no power to extend their mandate. Even the president can extend it only by six months.
To enable the commission to begin sittings more funds need to be provided and the renovation on the old Parliament House must be completed. Justice Amua-Sekyi said, if these are completed in October as promised the commission will begin sitting in November.
