Let's ensure peaceful referendum on new regions - Togbe Afede

Togbe Afede XIV, President of the National House of Chiefs, has asked traditional leaders to ensure that their people remained united regardless of the outcome of the impending referendum on the creation of new regions.

"The peace of this country is more important than the creation or the not creation of new regions. We have the responsibility as chiefs and custodians of the land to ensure that everything we do contribute to a peaceful referendum," he said.

Togbe Afede who was addressing a meeting of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs on Tuesday, said the people needed the freedom to express their views, and campaign "freely" before the referendum.

He said "Ghana must continue to be seen as a beacon of peace in Africa and the World as a whole", and charged the Electoral Commission to ensure a fair process.

Togbe Afede also appealed to the security forces to be unbiased in protecting both sides of the divide, adding that "it is very important that we all come out more united."

He commended the Regional House of Chiefs for its leadership, and implored members to work hard towards securing traditional council statuses for deserving areas.

The referendum for the creation of six new regions is scheduled for Thursday, December 27th at the affected areas across the country.

The proposed new regions are: Oti, North East, Savannah, Ahafo, Bono East and Western North.