The Eastern Youth for Development Association, an advocacy has formally petitioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the creation of a new region to be carved out of the existing Eastern Region.
The petition was presented to the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, during his visit to the Akyem Kotoku Palace as part of his campaign tour in the region.
The group, led by its president Joshua Asumeng Badu, expressed concerns about the mismatch between the region’s population growth and its development.
According to Badu, the Eastern Region, which currently has an estimated population of over three million, is not receiving the necessary development commensurate with its size and population.
“The Eastern Region is the third most populous region in Ghana, yet its development lags behind its population growth,” Badu stated in the petition. “We believe that the creation of a new region would bring about accelerated development and improve the lives of the people in these areas.”
The group proposes that the new region, tentatively named the “Eastern West Region,” would include 16 districts: Achiase, Akyemansa, Asene Manso Akroso, Birim Central, Birim North, Upper West Akyem, West Akyem Municipal, Birim South, Denkyembour, Kwaebibirem, Kwahu East, Kwahu West, Kwahu South, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Kwahu Afram Plains North, and Kwahu Afram Plains South. These districts collectively have a population of approximately 1.43 million and cover an area of 14,413.72 square kilometers.
The petition also pointed out challenges faced by residents due to the vast distances between some districts and the regional capital, Koforidua.
“The sparse nature of the various districts makes it cumbersome when certain services are needed urgently, especially healthcare referral services,” Badu explained. “The regional capital has the only referral health facility, which does not even meet certain standards with regard to the millennium development goals.”
Justice Anakwah, the Vice President of the association, echoed the need for the new region, emphasizing that it would not only address developmental disparities but also attract both local and foreign investors. “In terms of overall development, the benefits abound because this would attract investors and improve the economy,” he noted.
The petition concluded with a plea to traditional authorities within the proposed region to support the initiative. “We urge the traditional authorities in the catchment area to support this novel petition to make this dream a reality,” Badu said.
After receiving the petition,the National Chairman of NDC Johnson Asiedu Nketia assured that the petition will be delivered to President John Dramani Mahama to take it through the stipulated procedures when NDC assumes power in 2025.
Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku Oseadeayo Frimpong Manso flanked by his divisional chiefs poured libation to seek the blessings of ancestors on the NDC for the party’s vision for Ghana to come to pass .
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
