MPs strategise for the creation of Ahafo Region

The Members of Parliament (MPs) in constituencies within the Ahafo part of the Brong-Ahafo Region have affirmed their determination to ensure that the proposed creation of the Ahafo region becomes a reality for development purpose.

To that effect, the six MPs have formed a committee to strategise, identify and address peculiar challenges that have the potential to hinder the constitutional processes for creation of the new region.

They have also resolved to intensify public education on the referendum process so that the constitutionally required voter turnouts would be achieved for the creation of the new region.

The legislators include; Mrs Freda Prempeh, MP for Tano North, Alhaji Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South, Mr Joseph Daha, MP for Asutifi North, Mr Eric Opoku, MP for Asunafo South, Mr Evans Bobie, MP for Asunafo North and Mr Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere, MP for Tano South constituencies.

Mr Bobie, who is also the Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister made this known during a public hearing on the proposed carving out of the Ahafo Region at Hwidiem, capital of the Asutifi South District in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

The Justice Stephen Allan Brobbey Commission of Inquiry looking into the creation of the new regions is in the area for the public hearing.

Council of Ahafo Chiefs spearheading the proposed creation of the Ahafo region had earlier submitted petitions to the Commission justifying the demand for the new region.

Mr Bobie expressed discomfort with voter apathy in the area, saying if the problem was not addressed it could affect the referendum.

He said voting is a civic right and underlined the need for the traditional authorities in the area to lead the campaign on voter education for the people to understand.

As the MPs rally together for the course of development, Mr Bobie also cautioned the people against partisan politics in their quest for the new region.

He observed that partisan politics remained the bane of accelerated development and it had the potential to hinder efforts at creating the new region.

Alhaji Dauda noted that the demand and struggle for the creation of Ahafo region started more than 40 years ago and advised supporters of the various political parties to support the processes.

He said he supported attempts by the government to create the additional six regions and advised the NDC to also support the efforts for the sake of development.

Mr Daha said the purpose of creation the Ahafo region was development, and advised the people to guard against voter apathy and go out in their numbers to vote during the referendum.

Barima Appiah Boafo, the Paramiunt Chief of Hwidiem commended the traditional rulers in the area for their determination and sense of unity towards the creation of the region.

Earlier, Justice Brobbey who is a retired Supreme Court Judge and the Chairman of the Commission advised the people to endeavour to guard against insults and partisan politicking during their submissions.

Many of the people expressed worry at the deplorable condition of road networks and inadequate educational and health facilities in the area.

Prior to the hearing, the people accorded the commission a rousing welcome to the area.

Including school children, young boys and girls as well as the aged, the people could not hide their joy as they lined-up along the shoulders of the road and danced to brass band music, wielding placards with inscriptions such as "we need Ahafo region, for development'', "President please create our region for us" and "Ahafo Region is due".