A group calling itself the Eastern Youth for Development Association has petitioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to support the creation of a new region [ Eastern West Region] from the existing Eastern Region of Ghana.
The petition was presented to NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia during his visit to Akyem Kotoku Palace as part of his campaign tour of the region.
In their petition, the group stated among other things Eastern Region’s significant population and land size, arguing that the region’s development has not kept pace with its growth hence the need for the new region to stimulate development.
“The Eastern Region is currently the third most populous region in the country, with a population of over three million people, and a land size of 19,323 square kilometers,” the petition stated. “Considering these facts, we believe that the development of the region is not in tandem with its population growth.”
The group stressed that the creation of a new region would bring about accelerated development and improve the delivery of essential services. “Due to the sparsely populated nature of the various districts, it becomes cumbersome when certain services, especially healthcare referral services, are needed urgently,” the petition explained. “We believe that carving out a new region will facilitate the prompt delivery of essential services and enhance the rapid development of the area.”
The proposed new region, tentatively named the “Eastern West Region,” would encompass 16 districts.
“We are therefore suggesting that a new region be carved out of the region which should include sixteen districts namely; Achiase, Akyemansa, Asene Manso Akroso, Birim Central, Birim North, Upper West Akyem, West Akyem Municipal, Birim South, Denkyembour, Kwaebibirem, Kwahu East, Kwahu West, Kwahu South, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Kwahu Afram Plains North and Kwahu Afram Plains South”
These districts have a combined population of approximately 1.43 million people and cover an area of 14,413.72 square kilometers out of total of 19,323 km2 of the Eastern Region.
“These places were carefully chosen because of their concentration in one area thereby making it easy to choose a central point for a capital which would facilitate prompt delivery of essential services and enhance the rapid development of the area as well.
In terms of overall development, the benefits abound because this would attract investors both local and foreign to the new region, and the economy would improve” a Portion of the petition read.
The association concluded by calling on traditional authorities within the proposed new region to support their petition. “We plead with the traditional authorities within the catchment area to support this novel petition to make this dream a reality,” they urged.
The petition was signed by key members of the Eastern Development Association, including President Joshua Asumeng Badu, Vice-President Justice Anakwah, and Public Relations Officer Isaac Adu Gyamfi.
After receiving the petition, the National Chairman of NDC Johnson Asiedu Nketia assured that the petition will be delivered to President John Dramani Mahama to take it through the stipulated procedures when NDC assumes power in 2025.
Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku Oseadeayo Frimpong Manso flanked by his divisional chiefs poured libation to seek the blessings of ancestors on the NDC for the party’s vision for Ghana to come to pass.
The creation of new regions, altering their boundaries, or merging existing regions in Ghana is a complex and deliberate process.
This process, as outlined under Article 5 of the Constitution, ensures that such actions are based on sound and convincing reasons, leaving no room for doubt.
Article 5 mandates the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry to investigate and make recommendations on the necessity and demand for the creation, alteration, or merger of regions.
Once the commission submits its recommendations, the President is required to refer the matter to the Electoral Commission, which will then organize a referendum.
For the referendum to be valid, at least 50 percent of eligible voters must participate, and of those, at least 80 percent must vote in favor of the proposed changes.
Only after these stringent requirements are met can the President issue a constitutional instrument to formalize the creation or alteration of the region.
This process was exemplified in 2019 when six new regions were created in Ghana.
These regions were formed from portions of the Volta, Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Western regions:
The Oti Region was carved out of the Volta Region, with Dambai designated as the capital. The Bono East and Ahafo Regions were created from the Brong Ahafo Region, with Techiman and Goaso as their respective capitals.
The remaining part of the former Brong Ahafo Region became the Bono Region, with Sunyani as its capital.
The North East Region and Savannah Region were formed from the Northern Region, with Nalerigu and Damongo as the capitals, respectively.
The Western North Region was created from the Western Region, with Sefwi Wiawso as its capital.
These developments followed the constitutional process to ensure that the creation of these regions was backed by substantial public demand and was in line with national interests.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
