We could have created more regions – Dan Botwe

General News on Thursday, February 14, 2019

Source: citinewsroom.com

2019-02-14

Minister of Regional Reorganization and Development Dan Botwe said more regions could have been created if demand was strong.

According to him, the constitution allows to create more regions if the conditions necessary for their creation are fulfilled.

Sgt Wednesday on Citi TV's point of view, Dan Botwe said the government was willing to receive petitions for the creation of additional regions, but that its receipt would not automatically guarantee the creation of the expected regions.

He added that the creation of new regions is among others subject to the advice of the State Council and an investigating commission.

He also added that residents of any new proposed region must demonstrate that they are willing to part with an existing region by referendum.

"Yes we could [get more regions] because the constitution sets no limit but is always subject to the advice of the Council of State and a report of the commission of inquiry. The people too must express their opinion on the new region in a referendum. They must confirm their interest in a [mbadive] YES vote. So these are things you have to go through, "he said.

"The fact that they have petitioned does not automatically mean that they will get it," the minister said.

He explained that the first step in creating a new region was a petition from the leaders of the proposed region, but that the Inquiry could reject this petition.

Dan Botwe noted that the inquiry commission had rejected a number of petitions concerning regional reorganizations, including those seeking to join areas that it was proposed to create for a new region.

"There were other people who wanted to be part of certain areas with which the commission did not agree. Amenfi North wanted to be part of the North West region, but was not allowed. If you go to Kpandai, if you look at their petition and the map they attached, they wanted to be part of the Savannah area but the commission did not recommend it. So, it's not as if all you wanted, you would get it.

The government is expected to officially create six new regions by Friday, February 15, 2019, when President Akufo-Addo will publicly present the constitutional instruments (CI) that support their creation to the respective petitioners.

Until now, the chiefs and inhabitants of Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah and Northeast have received their appointed CI and Capital.

The government announced start-up funding of GH ¢ 20 million for each of the new regions to revive development in these regions, with the president saying he hoped the new regions would see significant growth in the coming years. come.

Will not be centered in capitals

The naming of regional capitals for the new regions has become a controversial topic as battles for the capital by various cities in the regions began several months ago.

Regions such as Salaga and Nkoranza expressed dissatisfaction at not being named regional capitals of the Savannah and Bono East regions respectively.

In Salaga, angry youth expressed their dissatisfaction by burning down the ruling party office in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and destroying billboards.

Like other affected regions, they fear that development will focus only on regions designated as regional capitals.

But Dan Botwe has given badurances that development will be extended to all new regions and will not focus solely on new capitals.

He said the government is working hard to ensure that development, which is an essential foundation for promoting the creation of the new region, is taking shape in the new regions.