Akufo-Addo will take effect in 6 new regions on Tuesday

General News of Saturday, February 9, 2019

Source: 3news.com

2019-02-09

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will issue a constitutional instrument on 12 February to give effect to the six new regions.

An overwhelming vote of "yes" on December 27, 2018 saw the creation of the regions of Ahafo, Bono East, Northeast, Oti, Savannah and North West.

Under Article 5 (8) of the 1992 Constitution, the President is required to issue an IC giving effect or allowing the results of the referendum on the creation of new regions.

In the same spirit, the Minister of Reorganization and Regional Development, Mr. Dan Botwe, announced that a ceremony was planned at the Jubilee House for Nana Akufo-Addo to issue the IC, which will also name the capitals regions of the six regions.

"On February 12, 2019, we will all meet at the Jubilee House for the President to carry out the final act of following up the results of the referendum," he told Nayiri Naa in Overlord. Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, at a courtesy call.

Regional capitals, he noted, were chosen by the president at a wider consultation and will be announced on the day of the inauguration.

"President Nana Addo has also consulted extensively with leaders and stakeholders on the implementation of capitals," added Botwe.

The minister reiterated that development in newly created regions would be divided among the cities of the new regions.

Context

Citing underdevelopment and inequality, the opinion and traditional leaders of the six new regions have asked President Nana Akufo-Addo to put in place processes allowing them to enjoy the independence of the region .

Following the petition, the president set up an inquiry commission to gather views on the proposal, after which the commission recommended that the government create the new regions.

The EC was then given the green light to organize the referendum for the inhabitants of the six new regions to decide on the possible creation of these regions.

Despite the fears expressed about the creation of new regions and legal proceedings, the way for the EC to conduct the referendum on 27 December has been cleared.