President Akufo-Addo receiving the report from Justice S.A Brobbey
The Justice Allan Brobbey Commission of Inquiry that was tasked to look into proposals for the creation of new regions out of the existing ones submitted its report to President Akufo-Addo yesterday.
In the final analysis, the Commission upheld the proposals of the chiefs and people of Brong Ahafo, Northern, Volta and Western Regions for the creation of six new regions out of the existing 10.
Recommendation
They, therefore, recommended the creation of the Oti Region from the existing Volta Region, the Bono East and Ahafo regions from the existing Brong Ahafo Region, the Western-North Region from the existing Western Region and the North-Eastern and Savannah regions from the existing Northern Region.
This would bring to 16 the total number of regions in the country if approved at the referendum.
It took them less than a year to complete the process which began on October 17, 2017.
They were tasked to inquire, pursuant to petitions for the creation of the new regions and consequently the alteration of Western, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Volta Regions.
The Commission was also to make recommendations to the President based on its findings on the creation and alteration of regions and specify the issues to be determined by referendum and the places where the referendum would be held.
Procedure
Chairman of the Commission and retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Allan Brobbey revealed that “six in camera meetings were held with the petitions, 41 public hearings, one interaction with the National House of Chiefs, four interactions with the Regional Houses of Chiefs, 28 other consultations and an interaction with the honourable Members of Parliament from the Brong Ahafo Region, Northern Region, Volta Region and Western Region were also held.”
Aside that, he indicated that “the Commission also provided opportunity for all who were so minded to make oral and written submission to the Commission through several media; additionally, it was widely advertised that the Secretariat of the Commission was opened for all and sundry to submit any form of memoranda or communication for the consideration of the Commission.”
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo indicated his preparedness to forward the report and its recommendations to the Electoral Commission (EC) for consideration, leading to the organization of referendum for the people in the affected areas to decide on the matter through voting.
Constitutional requirement
The country’s Constitution requires 50 percent of people living in the affected areas to vote in the referendum, out of which 80 percent are expected to vote in favour of the proposition for it to become law.
In his remarks, the President expressed his appreciation to the nine-member commission for bringing to the momentous undertaking to a conclusion.
He noted that he followed with keen interest the proceedings of the Commission and was satisfied with the broad consultations.
“We are charting new paths in the development of Ghanaian democracy. This is the first time that in a constitutional era, regions are being created under constitutional provisions. The work of this Commission will definitely be one of the landmarks in that journey. History will definitely applaud, I have no doubt, the manner in which this Commission has discharged its historic duty,” the President added.
Commendation
President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to Members of Council of State, Regional Ministers, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, traditional rulers, security personnel, public servants, opinion leaders and members of the media, professionals, workers and farmers for supporting the work of the Commission during its consultations and public hearings.
He indicated that it would be unpleasant not to pay tribute to the Minister for Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Kwaku Botwe, Member of Parliament for Okere, for the exhaustive, painstaking and sensitive work he has done to bring the matter to its present state.
“General, as he is often referred to in NPP circles, ayekoo. You have proved yourself a public servant of the highest pedigree, and I thank Almighty God for the inspiration that led me to choose you to lead this vital, national initiative.”
Meanwhile, the Minister for Regional Reorganisation and Development, Dan Kwaku Botwe, has indicated that budget for the referendum had been included in the Electoral Commission’s budget for the year 2018.
He revealed that the Ministry has held a number of meetings with members of the Commission in preparation of the process and was therefore hopeful that the referendum would be held in the not-too-distant future.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent