Chiefs and people of Ahafo in the Brong Ahafo region have held a durbar at Acherensua on a proposed new region to be begetting from the Brong Ahafo region.
The purpose according to them, is to educate the people of Ahafo on the need to participate on the day a referendum will be conducted in case all process and procedures surrounding the creation of a new region is ready and certified by government.
Apart from that, the meeting also aimed at explaining to the people about a new look Ahafo would be if the promise by government to create a new region for them comes to pass.
The Omanhene of Acherensua Traditional council, and also a former Water commission chairman, Prof. Nana Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem said, the issue about the new region to be created by government was a promise the two most influential political parties in Ghana, the NPP and the NDC made during their campaigns.
“In view of this, it is necessary for us as chiefs to sensitize our people the need for them to embrace the new region and also participate fully during the voting day. Referendum, he explained, is whereby the people vote on a decision choosing either “yes or no’’ or to give their opinion on a policy or proposal’’.
In an interview with Professor Nana Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, who is the chairman for the communication committee selected among the chiefs after the program, he admitted that, though they have organized same durbars at various communities in the Ahafo catchment areas but what has happened at Acherensua was delightful and very encouraging. Many of the paramount chiefs participated in the durbar.
Briefing this reporter on his impression on how the communities at Ahafo are involving themselves in the campaign the chiefs are embarking, he indicated that it was difficult at the beginning but a lot of people are beginning to understand why there is a need for communities at Ahafo to have a separate region.
The chief of Yamfo Traditional area in the Tano North constituency, Nana Ansah Adu Baah II, on the other hand emphasized that if the new region is created, it will bring massive development into the area because when a minister visits the current Brong Ahafo region, it will be very difficult for him to visit every community but if the new region is created, it will make their work very easy and it will bring development.
He underscored that things like educational infrastructure would be improved, good roads would be constructed, sources of portable drinking water will also be constructed and other basic social infrastructure will also be established so that the pressure that will come on the regional minister for Brong Ahafo region will be limited.
The Yamfo chief reiterated that so far, the communities they have visited to educate them about the government proposal of creating a new region from the Brong – Ahafo region are beginning to understand the process and he won’t be surprised if they vote massively on the day of the referendum should government consider it.
Among some of the chiefs who attended the program are Kenyase number one paramount chief, Ntotoroso Paramount chief, Mim paramount chief, Goaso paramount chief, Hwidiem paramount chief and other representatives from various traditional council at Ahafo catchment area.