Mahama proposes creation of new region if elected

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has proposed the creation of a new region from the Upper East Region if elected.

During a visit to Bawku Naba's palace in the Upper East Region, Mahama stated that a proposal had been filed to the Speaker of Parliament by Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament representing Bawku.

Mahama maintained that the new region will solve important challenges such as the ongoing security crisis in the Bawku area while also creating more job possibilities.

He stated that the Bawku area's land size and population are comparable to or greater than those of the North East Region, arguing strongly for the formation of a new region.

He noted that the creation of new regions and districts aims to decentralize governance and improve security.

“I discussed something with him. Your Member of Parliament, I’m aware he has written a letter to the Speaker requesting that another region should be created out of the Upper East Region to cover the six constituencies in the Bawku area.

“Bawku Naba raised it with me, and I told him in principle I think it’s a good idea for two reasons. One, for the reason of bringing government closer to the people.”

“That’s the principal reason for which we create new regions and new districts. And then the second reason is for security. Bawku is a special security zone because of the issues that have been happening here. And so it would be a good proposal to have a region so that it can be a focus to make sure that we deal with the security issues as well as we can.”

“And so, I don’t think it’s out of place because the criteria are dependent on population, they are dependent on land size, and they are dependent on economic viability.”

Source : Lead News Online