Friday, December 14, 2012

Judgement Debt Commission commences sittings on Dec 17




The Commission of Inquiry tasked by President-elect John Mahama to enquire into judgement debt cases in the nation has indicated the Commission will resume sitting on Monday, December 17.

The Commission went on a brief break but will commence proceedings from December 17 to Wednesday, December 19 at the old Parliament House in Accra.

A statement released and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Commission, George William Dove, reminded the public that the sittings will commence at 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day.

A portion of the release read: "Members of the public who wish to testify or volunteer information are first to report at the Commission’s office to give their statement. The Commission will then schedule a date for them to give evidence. All those who intend to testify or volunteer information to the Commission but are unable to be present in person are requested to submit memoranda to the Commission. All such memoranda will be treated confidentially.”

According to the Commission, persons can volunteer information or any relevant revelations to assist it in its task. The Commission assured the informants that they will be protected and their identities not disclosed.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Commission are:

a) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments made from public funds in satisfaction of judgment debts since the 1992 Constitution came into force;

b) To ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments from public funds and financial losses arising from arbitration awards, negotiated settlements and akin processes since the 1992 Constitution came into force; and

c) To make recommendations to the Government for ensuring that, as far as practicable

i.The instances where public funds are utilized to make payments in satisfaction of judgment debts and public debts arising from akin processes are limited;

ii.Government does not incur undue financial losses when it does business with private persons or institutions.

Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw

No comments:

Post a Comment