The Commission of Inquiry inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo to collate views from the public on the creation of the newly proposed regions, will conclude its in-camera hearing of petitions in Accra today [Tuesday].
The Chairman of the nine-member Commission, Justice Alan Steven Brobbey, made this revelation today [Tuesday], when he was addressing petitioners, saying “Today, the commission brings this consultation to an end. This hearing has been organized for those who have already petitioned the President for creation of regions.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”ASxnlPgmGx8M54cZqPsDbrR06NWa6wu8″]The Commission was tasked by the President to produce a report on its work, and present recommendations which will subsequently be handed over to the Electoral Commission.
The Commission, upon assumption of office, therefore toured the Volta, Western, Northern and the Brong Ahafo Regions, to solicit the views of residents on the creation of the new regions.
A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Brobbey, led the committee of 8 members to undertake the consultation process.
It has over the past few days also engaged chiefs and opinion leaders from the Western, Volta Northern and the Brong Ahafo Regions.
The Commission’s recommendations will subsequently be handed over to the Electoral Commission to organize a referendum within the various regions out of which the new ones are to be carved out.
If 50% of persons living within the proposed areas endorse the proposal, the process of creating the new regions will then be implemented.
The creation of new regions was one of President Nana Addo’s several campaign promises in the run up to the election in 2016.
Government is seeking to split the Northern, Western, Volta and the Brong-Ahafo Regions. However, some analysts have said the move is merely for political advantage.
But the Minister for Regional Reorganization, Dan Botwe, has dispelled such claims, saying it would instead enhance the economic opportunities as well as promote effective governance in such areas.
Once this in-camera hearing of petitions ends, the Commission will move into the regions to hold public hearings. That process is expected to begin this month from the Western Region.
–
By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana