The Volta Regional House of Chiefs has given its blessings to the work of the Commission of Inquiry on the creation of a new region in the Volta Region.
The chiefs have indicated their readiness to support the work of the commission to ensure that the will of the people is adhered to.
This came to light when the Commission led by its Chairman, Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey, paid a courtesy call on the chiefs at the Regional House of Chiefs premises at Ho, the Volta regional capital, to brief them on the operations of the commission.
He also used the occasion to seek the permission, blessings and support of the chiefs and people of the Volta Region to enable them have a fruitful interaction during their one week stay in the region.
The constitutionally established commission is mandated to inquire, pursuant to petitions into the need and substantial demand for the creation of new regions and thereby, the alteration of Western, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Volta regions boundaries respectively.
Creation of the new region, although, was a trump card for the ruling government, the decision had been received with some reservations, especially in the case of the Volta Region.
However, speaking to the commission, the President of the National House of Chiefs, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, stressed the need for cooperation from chiefs and people in the region to make the work of the Commission successful and beneficial to all.
He also reiterated the need for peace among all members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs to facilitate development. He noted that development should be the priority of the chiefs, whether the region was divided or not instead of bickering and in fighting.
He also urged all the chiefs in the region to air their views freely without fear or favor instead staying back and complaining.
He advised the Commission to exercise fairness and transparency to ensure an acceptable outcome to the majority.
Togbe Afede also commended the president of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for strictly following the provisions of the constitution in responding to the call for new regions.
Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey who is also a retired Supreme Court Judge noted that the views of the chiefs will be taken seriously as they are the custodians of the land.
He explained that the consultations are fact finding in nature and will assist the commission to ascertain whether there is the need and a substantial demand for the creation of a new region in the northern part of the Volta Region.
The commission which is sitting in Ho, Krachi, Nkwanta, Kpassa and Jasikan this week to seek the views of the people of the Volta Region, is expected to submit its report in six months.
From Fred Duodu and Collins Anku, Ho (k.duodu@yahoomail.com)