Communities Demand Re-Alignment of Electoral Boundaries

Kpassa, June 16, GNA - Some communities in the Nkwanta South District demanding re-alignment of electoral boundaries have rebuffed a truce reached between them and the Electoral Commission (EC) to create an electoral area pending resolution of the issue.

The chiefs and people of Agou, Jumbo One and Jumbo Two rejected the "gentleman's agreement" to create an electoral area for them in the short-term while the issue was fast tracked. The communities, who are abstaining from the ongoing electoral registration exercise and previous local government and national electoral processes since 2004, have reaffirmed their stance not to take part in any EC's activity until the re-alignment was effected. The communities have warned the EC to stay clear of the designated area, now christened "no man's land," or face reprisal action. Nana Tamandja, Chief of Agou, said it was unfortunate that the three communities, which are located on the southern fringes of River Kpassa, have been ceded to Nkwanta South and those beyond them including Kamanchu and Ebiteyie are in Nkwanta North.

He said several of their petitions are yet to receive attention. Nana Tamandja reminded the government to expedite action on its commitment to institute a boundary review committee as enshrined in its manifesto, as they have exhausted all patience in the matter. Mr Nii Afo Dodoo, Nkwanta South District Director of EC with oversight responsibility on Nkwanta North District, told the GNA that the communities continue to agitate to be part of the newly created Nkwanta North District instead of Nkwanta South District.

He confirmed that the communities had boycotted all local government and national elections since 2004. Mr Dodoo said agreements reached with them to create an electoral area to enable them participate in local governance and decentralization again fell through. Mr Paul Levin Gyato, Nkwanta District Chief Executive, said the issue had become a security threat in the area and the District Security Committee continues to engage the leadership of the communities in dialogue over the matter.