Short Commission promises to conclude work within schedule

• Posted on March 7, 2019
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Emile Short Commission of Inquiry has indicated that it will conclude its sittings within schedule.

The Commission, which was sworn in on February 8 by President Akufo-Addo to investigate circumstances that led to the violence that erupted at a polling station during the Ayawaso Wuogon constituency by-election, was given a one month period to conclude its work and make its report available to the government.

There are concerns among a section of the public that owing to the number of potential witnesses who may appear before the commission and the volume of work at hand, it may need an extension of the one-month deadline, but the Commission’s spokesperson, Katherine Woode has said that the commission may not require an extension.

According to her, the 3-member Commission has discharged its duties creditably so far.

“The commission has done the best that it can within all the circumstances to go according to the mandate set by President Akufo-Addo to ensure that this is a free, fair and impartial collation of information in order to give him its recommendation. It is the intention that there will be no extension.”

The commission which has so far taken testimonies of several principal witnesses in the matter including the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George; Commander of the National Security SWAT team DSP Samuel Azugu; and NDC Parliamentary candidate Delali Kwasi Brempong.

It is expected to brief the media after today’s [Thursday] hearing on the way forward.

“On the 7^th of March, the intention is that the Executive Secretary, Dr. Kofi Ernest Abotsi will address the press on what the next steps are for the closure of the commission.”

By: Philip Nii Larte