Minister for Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Botwe, is surprised at comments by President of the National House of Chiefs about the creation of new regions.
Togbe Afede XIV who is also the Agbogbomefia of Asogli said the ongoing processes towards the creation of new regions pose a threat to peace and unity.
He also argued that the Commission of Inquiry into the creation of new regions had no power to exclude natives of regions which would be altered from voting in the referendum.
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However, Dan Botwe on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Tuesday said the comment by Togbe Afede was shocking.
He noted that when the government decided on the creation of the new regions, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli was the first person he consulted on the matter.
The Minister said the Commission was mandated under Article 5 clause 4 of the 1992 Constitution to determine the place where a referendum must be held, not a chief.
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Dan Botwe also dispelled claims that some of the chiefs, especially, in the Volta region were not consulted on the creation of the new regions.
“All the chiefs in the regions were consulted so such claims are false. The dates and facts are there,” he asserted.
Dan Botwe who is also the Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency stated that though they welcome criticisms, such comment from a revered chief cast a slur on the work of the Commission.
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