Ghana sets up panel to probe past abuses


ACCRA, April 12 (Reuters) - Ghanaian President John Kufuor has appointed a
panel to probe human rights abuses by previous governments, in a move likely
to further inflame relations with predecessor Jerry Rawlings.

The panel will investigate abuses by five military administrations since
1966, including those of Rawlings, who led coups in 1979 and 1981 and had
three former heads of state shot on a beach for corruption.

Rawlings eventually introduced multi-party democracy and stepped down last
year after serving the two elected terms he was allowed under the
constitution. He was replaced by opposition leader Kufour, who won the 2000
election.

"President Kufuor wants national reconciliation to promote peace and
togetherness among Ghanaians. It's a pledge the government made and it has to
be fulfilled," Kufuor's spokesman Kwabena Agyepong told reporters as he
announced the panel.

The Ghana Bar Association and human rights campaigners say some 200 people
disappeared during the rule of Rawlings.

Relations between Rawlings and Kufour have been rocky since the former air
force officer stepped down, particularly since several close allies from his
former administration were put before the courts on corruption charges.

Rawlings' National Democratic Congress (NDC) boycotted the session of
parliament when the bill establishing the investigation panel, known as the
Reconciliation Commission, was passed.

Kufuor named a judge, Amua Sekyi to chair the nine-member commission, whose
members include Islamic and Christian clergymen, a retired trade unionist, a
traditional chief, three women and Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Erskine,
former Commander of a United Nations force in Lebanon.


   04/12/02 15:10 ET


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