The wal k preceding the rally
The fight for the capital of the soon-to-be Oti Region is beginning to gain momentum as five out of the nine districts to form the new region compete with one another to secure the slot.
So far, Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta, Dambai (Krachi East) and Kete Krachi (Krachi West) have been tipped as the favourable places a regional capital could be sited with various interesting reasons.
Being a major decision after the massive voting in favour of the creation of the Oti Region in the recent referendum, DAILY GUIDE understands a lot of lobbying and very civil tactics are being employed by interested parties to ensure a peaceful selection of the regional capital.
As part of ways to make their case, the Jasikan District which is dominated by the Buem Traditional Area has held a mammoth victory rally to celebrate a successful referendum and reiterate their desire to have the regional capital in Jasikan.
The rally, which was preceded by a walk dubbed: “The White Walk”, saw residents in white dresses singing and dancing as they carried placards to thank the government. They took the opportunity to make a request for the regional capital.
In a speech, Nana Opraw Akuamoah VIII, the Nifahene of Buem and acting Buemanhene stressed that Jasikan would be the best choice for a regional capital, as almost all of the districts in the Oti enclave were created from it.
He said all districts in Oti enclave can be a regional capital but Jasikan tops them all in that historically, Jasikan has been the capital for the Buem-Krachi (Oti enclave) since December 1952.
Nana Opraw who is also the acting president of the Buem Traditional Council noted that although Jasikan is pushing for the regional capital, including administrative territory, other functional activities and programmes should be located in other parts of the region.
He indicated that the Oti enclave is uniquely gifted in resources hence the need to devise a development model that ensures all natural and other resources are exploited for the benefit of all.
“To this end, it is important to strategically site certain regional agencies at certain locations to ensure maximum output, coordination and results”, Nana emphasised.
The Jasikan District Chief Executive, Lawrence Aziale, stressed that Jasikan has adequate resources including a befitting regional ministers’ residency and other robust administrative facilities and systems for a smooth take-off.
The MP for the area, kwasi Ashiamah, who is a key member of the opposition NDC, noted that all political parties in Jasikan are committed to ensuring Oti Region becomes the envy of many in terms of development and innovation.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)