Demand for new regions is right of every Ghanaian — Justice Brobbey

THE Chairman of the Commission of Enquiry into the Creation of New Regions, Justice Stephen Allan Brobbey, says the demand for the creation of a region is a fundamental human right of every Ghanaian.

He said it was also the first time that the provision of the Article 5 of 1992 Constitution on the creation and alteration of new regions has been invoked by a President of the Republic of Ghana to meet the demand of the citizenry in the creation of new regions.

It was, therefore, the duty of all to chart a course that was ultimately in the interest of the people.

Non-political

Justice Brobbey said that last Thursday in Buipe in the Central Gonja District in the Northern Region at a public hearing on the creation of new regions.

He urged petitioners demanding the creation of the new regions to express their concerns in a peaceful and reconciliatory manner to facilitate a smooth process.

According to him, the exercise was not political, but one that was expected to enhance development and deepen unity and diversity.

"We are here to listen to your views on the demand for the creation of a new region by the overlord and people of Gonja Traditional Area. This is a matter of significant national development that requires wide consultations.

“This exercise of creating a region under Article 5 of the 1992 Constitution is demand-driven and so have a duty to listen to the views of the public,” he stated.

Support

The Paramount Chief of Buipe, Mahama Jinapor II, pledged the support of the chiefs and people in the district to ensure a successful public hearing by the commission.

He said the creation of the new region would enhance infrastructural development, increase economic opportunities, as well as promote effective governance.

Background

The Commission of Enquiry’s public hearing in Buipe was the third public hearing held in the Northern Region to seek the views of the people on the creation of the Savannah region.

The commission had earlier held similar hearings in Tamale and Damongo.

The Buipe public hearing attracted hundreds of people in the district who locked up their businesses and massed up at the district assembly hall.