Minister of Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Kwaku Botwe, has revealed former presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Mahama gave their blessings to the government for the creation of six new regions.
He revealed that in a meeting with President Akufo-Addo, the former presidents said the regions were needed to foster development in those areas.
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Dan Botwe revealed this in an exclusive interview on Adom FM‘s morning show Dwaso Nsem Tuesday.
His comment follows claims that the creation of six new regions was politically motivated.
Many believe the move is part of President Akufo-Addo’s quest to retain power in 2020 and also fulfil his campaign promise to the people.
But in a rebuttal, Dan Botwe said the creation of the new region is not a political project to win votes in the 2020 elections.
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Rather, he explained that the demand for the creation of six additional regions came from the chiefs and people of the proposed areas and not the government.
“We received petitions from the regions for the creation of Western North, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, North East and Oti Region as suggested by the Committee,” he added.
The Regional Reorganization and Development Minister traced the creation of the new regions to historical antecedents dating as far back as Gold Coast era, noting that the demand for the creation of the new regions was in consonance with the relevant provisions in the 1992 Constitution.
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Dan Botwe stated that painstaking consultations had taken place and called on all and sundry to support the work of the Commission of Enquiry.
He added government has the blessing of all political leaders and stakeholders involved for a successful event.