Shun partisan politics in quest for new regions – Ameyaw-Akumfi
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, a Former Minister of State, at the weekend, called on the chiefs and people of Bono-East to shun partisan politics in their quest for the creation of a new region.
He affirmed that the movement for the creation of the new Bono East Region was in the right direction, but added that until the people bury their political differences and forge ahead in unity, the campaign would not yield results.
Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi, who is the Chairman of the committee spearheading advocating the creation of the Bono East Region made the call when he addressed the chiefs and people of the Atebubu-Amantin, Pru, Sene West and Sene East Districts at a forum at Atebubu.
It was organized by the Bono East Youth Alliance, a pressure group, aimed at sensitizing the people on the processes involved in the creation of a new region, in accordance with article five (5) on the 1992 constitution.
Prof Akumfi-Ameyaw, who is also the Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructural Investment Fund (GIIF) and a former Member of Parliament for Techiman North Constituency, said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was on course and it was up to the campaigners to meet the requirements for the creations of the new regions.
He said his committee would send a petition to the Commission of Inquiry set up the government, this week and assured the people that certainly the Commission would understand the import of the petition for the creation of the region.
Prof Ameyaw-Akumfi explained to the people the need for intensified public education on the referendum process so that they would be able to meet the 50 per cent voter turnout and the required 80 per cent votes.
He emphasised that until such constitutional requirement on the voter turnouts were met, the campaign for the creation of the Bono-East Region would be in vain.
Prof Akumfi-Ameyaw was unhappy that business entities and corporate bodies in the area as well as other natives abroad remained unsupportive, and called for financial assistance so that the committee could work effectively.
Mr Kofi Amoakohene, the Member of Parliament for Atebubu-Amantin constituency observed that, successive governments had neglected the people, in the area of development for a long time.
He explained that the creation of the new region would bring governance to the door-step of the people and facilitate rapid socio-economic development.
Mr Amoakohene, who is the Coordinator of the Committee, added his voice on the calls for the people to avoid partisan politics and ensure a united front in their pursuit.
He said the area had a large land size as well as abundant covered and uncovered natural resources that could be tapped to spur rapid socio-economic growth.
Mr Edward Owusu, the Atebubu-Amantin District Chief Executive, commended the chiefs and people for their continuous support towards the development of the area.
He reminded them that the creation of the new regions was captured in the 2016 manifestoes of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic (NDC), and urged followers of the two political parties and others to support it.
Mr Kokroko Amankwaa, the General Secretary of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), said the creation of the new regions was a giant step to deepen decentralization and local government in the country.
“The creation of the new regions will help deliver stronger economic growth and provide essential and valuable services and infrastructure”, he added.
Mr Amankwaa called for support, especially among the youth in the quest for the creation for the regions.
Source: GNA