Creating new regions will speed up development - Minister

The Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kweku Afriyie, says the Nana Addo-led government's decision to partition some regions in the country is only to ensure rapid socio-economic development of the country.

He explained that the move is in no way meant to divide the country along tribal lines or ethnic groups but bring about rapid development.

He, therefore, pleaded with traditional authorities in the region to support the president's vision and join the campaign for the creation of the new regions.

The Western Region is one of the regions being considered for division following the campaign promise made by the governing New Patriotic Party whilst in opposition.

The regional minister made the pronouncement when he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area Nana Kobina Nketisa V.

The visit was to officially introduce himself to the chief and his subjects as the new regional minister and also highlight the vision of President Akufo Addo.

He stated, for example, that the Western Region is mainly made up of Akans, who are matrilineal, and, therefore, does not require anyone to create any form of division, especially on political grounds, whilst using the creation of new regions as conduit.

The Paramount Chief, in welcoming the Minister to the palace recalled how the Medical Doctor answered questions during his vetting process and demonstrated selfless commitment to the contributions and development of the region through his answers.

He said the Minister had made all those comments in the interest of the region and the nation as a whole.

Nana Nketsia V urged Dr Afriyie to learn from past ministers and draw good lessons from their tenure to enable him to build a better region.

He also welcomed the government’s commitment to revamp the railway sector to bring back economic life to the region.

He also traced the historical contribution made by the region to the development of Ghana and urged government to reciprocate through better initiatives.