Bernard Allotey Jacobs
Bernard Allotey Jacobs has described as extremely "unnecessary" John Mahama's promise to create a new region from the Upper East Region if elected President again.
The former President and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign tour in the Upper East Region on Saturday.
During a visit to the Bawku Naba’s palace in the Upper East Region, Mahama disclosed that a proposal has been submitted to the Speaker of Parliament through the Member of Parliament for Bawku, Mahama Ayariga, for a region to be created in the Bawku area named Kusaug Region.
This new region, he noted, will encompass the Zebilla, Binduri, Garu, Tempane, Pusiga, and Bawku District and Municipal assemblies.
Mahama's New Region Promise
“I discussed something with him. Your Member of Parliament, I’m aware he has written a letter to the Speaker requesting that another region should be created out of the Upper East Region to cover the six constituencies in the Bawku area.
“Bawku Naba raised it with me, and I told him in principle I think it’s a good idea for two reasons. One, for the reason of bringing government closer to the people.
“That’s the principal reason for which we create new regions and new districts. And then the second reason is for security. Bawku is a special security zone because of the issues that have been happening here. And so it would be a good proposal to have a region so that it can be a focus to make sure that we deal with the security issues as well as we can.
“And so, I don’t think it’s out of place because the criteria are dependent on population, they are dependent on land size, and they are dependent on economic viability.”
Allotey's Reply
The former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Allotey Jacobs, reminded the former President of the volatile situation in the community, hence advising the latter to be measured in his utterances.
He warned Mr. Mahama against inciting the people of Bawku, saying; "Not at this time. In politics, you know the place is a volatile area from time immemorial...I know the place very well, proper. Whether North East, whether Upper East Region, I don’t know about a town or village that I don’t know and I also know the tension and conflicts in the areas. So, if you are a politician and enter that area, your utterances should be very diplomatic and not offend any person."
