The Omanhene (Paramount Chief) of Yamfo Traditional Area, and Chairman of the Ahafo Council of Chiefs in the Brong Ahafo Region, Nana Ansah Adu Baah, have declared the support of the chiefs and people of Ahafo for the creation of the Ahafo Region out of the current Brong Ahafo Region by government.
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, 28th February, 1987, 3rd Dec. 1990, 27th Aug, 1991, 7th July, 1994 and Feb, 12th, 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.