He called on the Commission of Enquiry overseeing the creation of new regions to heed to the calls of the people to ensure the Ahafo Region becomes a reality.

The Deputy Minister made this appeal when the Commission, chaired by Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey commenced public hearings into the proposed creation of Ahafo Region from the existing territory.

Mr. Bobie outlined the benefits of the proposed new Ahafo Region when created, stating that more jobs will be created and infrastructure for the new regional administration and a befitting regional hospital will be constructed.

He also argued that the regional split will greatly reduce the distance residents would have to travel from their communities to the Regional capital, bringing governance closer to the people.

In a brief presentation, the Ahafo Youth Development  Association President,  Yaw Owusu-Brempong, said the petition for the Ahafo region was first brought up 39 years ago and has since been presented eight times to successive governments.

He thanked President Akufo-Addo for initiating the constitutional procedures for the creation of the region.

He noted that new Ahafo Region would propel development  for the people.

Justice Brobbey, in his address, cautioned the people who came to give their views not to use the opportunity to settle scores.

He warned that their language must be as civil as possible and directed that no mention should be made of a possible location for the regional capital.

The public hearings afforded the Commission the opportunity to seek the views of the Traditional leaders, residents and workers alike.

The Commission will continue with public hearings in Goaso, Sankore, Hwidiem and Bechem in subsequent days.

The Chairman assured the chiefs and people of the proposed Ahafo Region that their views on the creation of the new region would be presented to the President when the Commission made its recommendations.

Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, said in his welcome address that the creation of the Ahafo region will propel development for the people and create jobs for the youth.

He called on the people and the chiefs to intensify their public campaign ahead of the referendum.

The Omanhene of Goase Traditional Area,  Nana Kwesi Bosomprah I in his address said Ahafo was lagging behind much of the country in terms of development.

He cited the bad road network, the absence of any tertiary institutions in the area, the long distance residents have to travel to Sunyani and the lack of jobs for teaming youth as issues the proposed Ahafo Region can address.

He added that the split would bring governance closer to the people and called on everyone in the area to support the Ahafo region vote ‘YES’ at the referendum.

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Source: Imoro T.  Ayibani/ISD

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According to them the split would promote peace, unity and cohesion in the development of the area.

The MPs demonstrated their support and commitment by making donations of GH¢ 5,000.00 each with a promise to donate more to the Commission of Inquiry to facilitate their work.

This came light on Friday at a public hearing organized by the Commission to collate views and reasons for or against the creation of the region at Hwidiem in the Asutifi South District of the Brong Ahafo Region.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Kbpx9uSp1DHjk6KSpCVXJGSlH48KEnkM”]Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the programme, the MP for Asutifi South and Former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Collins Dauda appealed to the constituents to remain resolute and support the petition to create the region as a proactive and sustained fight against poverty and underdevelopment militating against the development of the area.

He noted the agitation for the creation of the region started about fourteen years ago and the presence of the Commission in the area offers them the opportunity to prove there’s an urgent need and demand for the creation of the region.

Collins Dauda observed that the creation of regions was a campaign promise by the two major political parties and urged residents not to politicize the project.

“When we were campaigning prior to the 2016 elections, President Mahama made a promise to the people of Ahafo that if he retains power, he would ensure that Ahafo Region is created.

“The NDC was specific in our manifesto that we will create the Ahafo Region. The NPP on the other hand also made a similar promise that in an event Nana Akufo Addo becomes the President, he will also create regions. He is taking steps now to create the regions and all of us in Ahafo irrespective of our political divide support the creation of the region,” he said.

He assured Ghanaians of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s readiness to fully contribute to and support the agenda of creating the region.

Joseph Benhazin Daha, MP for Asutifi North called for a vigorous campaign for the creation of the region during the referendum which is devoid of insults and violence.

“At this stage, I will want our Bono family to know that we do not harbour anything against them. What we are seeking to do is break our developmental challenges into bits for efficient and effective management through the creation of the regions. So let’s put aside our differences and work towards improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

He believes the turnout to the hearings alone was enough to convince the commissioners to recommend to the President that the Ahafo Region be created.

The Commission of enquiry is currently hearing arguments for the creation of Ahafo Region after taking views and reasons from petitioners of the Bono East Region.

The region presented two petitions for the creation of the Bono East Region and Ahafo Region, out of the Brong Ahafo Region.

The Commission is expected to conclude its work in the region on Saturday (17-02-18) after engaging chiefs and people of Bechem, the capital of Tano South District at a public hearing.

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By: Mashoud Kombat/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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According to him, the split will not only promote rapid development of the area, but will enhance the country’s decentralization process and strengthen grassroots participatory democracy.

He has thus called on all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure that the planned creation of the new region becomes a reality.

The Yamfohene made the comment at a press conference at Bechem, the capital of the Tano South District on Wednesday.

The press conference was to outline his vision and preparedness to have the new Ahafo Region.

The engagement, organized by an advocacy group in the area, Ahafo Development Association, in collaboration with Ahafo council of Chiefs, brought together Members of Parliament (MPs), MDCEs, Youth Groups and other stakeholders to share ideas and experiences on how to manage and nurture the new region for the benefit of all.

Nana Ansah Adu Baah, emphasized that, the area was resourceful and meets all the requirements for the creation of the region.

He cited Timber, Gold, Bauxite and Human Resource as requirements available in the area.

He commended the President for taking the bold decision and showing commitment to implement the programme with the creation of the Ministry for Regional Reorganization and Development.

The Chairman of the Ahafo Council of Chiefs, appealed to chiefs and citizens of Ahafo especially the youth, to unite and cooperate with government as they go through the necessary constitutional processes.

Supporting the call for the creation of the region, Omanhene of the Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, backed his support with historical facts of initial moves and request by prominent natives of the area to successive governments.

“We would like to put on record that the fight for Ahafo Region is not a new thing. It dates back to 1986. We have written petitions to authorities since February, 1986, 28^th February, 1987, 3^rd Dec. 1990, 27^th Aug, 1991, 7^th July, 1994 and Feb, 12^th, 2003. The records are there for all to see”, he stated.

He appealed to his people to lead the campaign for the achievement of the Ahafo Region by coming out in their numbers to vote massively in the referendum for its creation.

President of the Ahafo Development Association, Yaw Owusu Brempong, discounted the perception that the creation of the region will breed division among the traditional authorities and the people of the region.

He emphasized the objective of the interactive session was to share the vision of the Ahafo people, and demonstrate support for the vision of the government on the region’s split.

Mr. Owusu gave an assurance that all stakeholders connected with the exercise would be brought on board to make the creation a success.

Mr. Emmanuel Marfo, Founding Executive Director of Global Alliance for Development Foundation (GADeF), opined that the creation of the region, will boost infrastructural development, capacity building, human resource development and promote investment.

This according to him, will afford his organization the opportunity to empower the youth of the area, to demand accountability from duty bearers to deepen the country’s democracy.

He therefore cautioned the youth in the area not to engage in acts that could breach the peace of the region. Participants at an open forum sought clarification on the proposed name of the new region, location of capital among others.

President Akufo-Addo prior to the 2016 election, promised the creation of new regions in Western, Brong Ahafo and other parts of the country.

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By: Mashoud Kombat/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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