Queen mothers from the Oti area welcoming President Akufo-Addo yesterday
Activities in the northern part of the Volta Region virtually came to a standstill when President Akufo-Addo took his three-day tour to the area.
Immediately the President’s convoy left the Hohoe Municipality where he slept on the second day of his tour, residents and students lined up the streets from Jasikan District to Dambai in the Krachi East District to welcome him.
Residents, teachers, nurses and farmers cheered on the president’s convey while pupils held placards with inscriptions about the achievements of the President.
Oti Region
The President, who was overwhelmed by the rousing welcome, stressed the importance of the proposed Oti Region to the socio-economic development of the entire area.
He said, “I support the demand for the creation of the Oti Region. I believe that it’s being done not to spite anybody, not reject to anybody and not to turn our back on anybody, but bring development for both Southern Volta and Northern Volta.
“That notwithstanding, my support doesn’t mean much if the chiefs and people of the Oti Enclave do not vote massively beyond the constitutional threshold of 80 per cent and above the 50 per cent participation of registered voters in the impending referendum.”
President Akufo-Addo disclosed that if the Electoral Commission (EC) declares the referendum in favour of the proposed Oti Region, he would gladly sign the document for the region to be created.
100 per cent Yes Votes
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people in Northern Volta, the Krachiwura, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, said they gave a rousing welcome to the President to show appreciation for keeping his campaign promises, particularly on the creation of new regions in the country.
He said the people of the Oti Enclave consider the President’s acceptance of the petition on the creation of the proposed Oti Region as the greatest achievement since independence.
“This is because although the area and parts of the Northern Region were instrumental in the 1956 Plebiscite that created the unitary state in 1957, we are yet to see any corresponding development for that effort.
He said they had presented petitions to about five administrations since independence over the creation the Oti Region.
Nana Mprah Besemuna was hopeful the people of the proposed Oti Region would get their fair share of the national cake, adding that “we are ready to work hard to secure 100 per cent votes during the referendum.”
He also reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Electoral Commission (EC) and other state agencies to ensure the successful creation of the new region.
From Fred Duodu, Dambai (k.duodu@yahoo.com)