Essa Faal, lead counsel Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has reacted in stronger words that country first truth commission would not be dictated by anyone or any institution on how they should execute their work, but said they would welcome good ideas.
His reaction comes after Ghanaian man Martin Kyere, lone survivor of 2005 alleged massacre of 56 West African migrants 44Ghanains asking TRRC to subpoena top figures including Gambian interior minister Yankuba Sonko, former Inspect-General Of Police Ensa Jesus Badjie, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas to testify.
Speaking to journalists at a news conference on Wednesday, Essa Faal said the commission is committed to do its work as expect and with diligent.
“But I would say it quite clearly that the TRRC will not dance to tune of any individual or institution. We will not be directed to or dictated by anyone as to what to do or how to do our work.
We would do it to the best of our ability, we would do what we believe is right. But we would not submit to any pressure or direction from anyone as to what to do or how to do it,” he pointed.
The rights commission earlier disclosed in a statement that part of its last themes for public hearings includes the killing of estimated 56 West African migrants in 2005.
“The TRRC has been in contact with representatives of [Yahya] Jammeh to justice who are very much interested in this and the last few weeks, we have outlined a plan as to what the TRRC intends to do.
“I have personally informed them that we would call five witnesses from Ghana and we have told them the type of witnesses we expect to call including [Martin] Kyere himself. We have also informed the Gambians side that additional witnesses are envisage to calls,” lead counsel Faal further disclosed.