Don’t tribalise the creation of new regions - Togbe Afede

Togbe Afede XIV, President of the National House of Chiefs (NHC) has warned against attempts by some people to put tribal sentiments into the creation of new regions in the country.

He said the two main political parties, the NDC and NPP, have agreed on the need to divide some of the regions to make their administration and management easier.

The parties have also made several public declarations on campaign platforms of their intension to create additional regions when voted into office.

It is therefore important for the people, especially those in the affected areas, to avoid an attempt to introduce tribal and ethnic sentiments into the processes and rather, come out with vital information to assist the success of the exercise.

Togbe Afede stated these when the Minister for Regional Reorganization and Development (RRD), together with the members of the Commission of Enquiry into the creation of new regions, briefed the House on how far they had gone on the processes to create the new regions.

He urged the Commission not to polarize the process but remain focused to achieve its target.

Togbe Afede pledged the continued support of the House to the Commission and the Ministry to ensure successful processes and creation of the new regions.

Mr. Dan Kwaku Botwe, the Minister for the project, said there were no pre-determined boundaries for the creation of the new regions in Ghana.

He urged citizens in the affected regions to ignore the alleged demarcation, naming or citing of regional capitals by anybody.

Mr Botwe said neither the Commission nor the Ministry had accepted any proposed name from the petitioners.

He said since the process was at the heart of the people, the Commission was working hand in hand with all the people involved to ensure the success of the exercise.

The Minister said the 1992 Constitution provided clear and strict procedures for the creation of new regions and that was what had so far been done by the Commission.

Justice Stephen Allan Brobbey, Chairman of the Commission, indicated that the Commission was committed to finding facts.

That was why it had travelled into the length and breadth of the affected regions for thorough investigations and discussions with key stakeholders on the need for the creation of the new regions.

Justice Brobbey said the meeting was to seek advice from members of the House before the Commission presented its report to the President for further actions.