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Stop scrambling for regional capitals – Dan Botwe

Government has asked residents in the six newly created regions not to focus on what areas are selected become the regional capitals.

The Minister of Regional Reorganisation and Development, Mr Dan Botwe, has said the concentration should rather be on the development that will be accrued following the creation of the new regions.

His comments follow massive clamoring and pitching by Chiefs and Residents of some towns within the newly created regions for why they deserve regional capitals which they perceive will bring massive development to those areas.

For instance, Naa Mahami Sheriga recently made a strong case for Nalerigu to be made the capital of the new North East Region.

In making his case, he told journalists that the town was strategically located at the centre of the new region and that it would be convenient for all the people in the region to access it.

But Nalerigu will be facing stiff competition from Walewale, which has also been mentioned as a strong contender.

Savannah

For the Savannah Region, the Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area,Yagbonwura Sulemana Jakpa Tutumba I, said Damongo was best suited as the regional capital.
In a speech read on his behalf at a forum on the referendum in Damongo, he stated that despite the different

views being expressed on which town was the best choice, there was no doubt that Damongo towered above the rest.

Coming strongly from another end is Bole, which also presents a strong argument for selection as the regional capital. Salaga is also in contention.

Ahafo

Some of the notable towns that have come up as strong contenders for the capital of the Ahafo Region are Goaso, Mim, Duayaw Nkwanta, Bechem, Hwidiem and Kenyasi.

Goaso, which is the capital of the Asunafo North municipality, is seen as the frontrunner, especially as it has the facilities to host the regional capital.

Interestingly, Hwidiem and Kenyasi presented a joint petition to the President to make the two towns, which are about three kilometres apart, the common regional capital.

Mim, formerly known for its timber business, is the dark horse in the race.

Duayaw Nkwanta and Bechem are big towns alright, but whether they have what it takes to be the capital remains to be answered by next Tuesday.

Bono East

There is also strong competition among the towns in this region for the capital with Techiman and Atebubu being the major contenders.

Techiman, a sprawling municipality, is strongly positioned for the capital, but Atebubu too has the facilities to host the capital. The people of Kintampo, a town said to be the centre of the country, are also asking the government to consider the town as capital of the Bono East Region.

For now, all are waiting with bated breath for the President’s announcement.

Western North

In this region, Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso and Sefwi Bekwai are in contention for the capital.

The chiefs and the people of these three towns have been touting the credentials of the towns as best for the regional capital.

Oti

Although the Oti Movement, a group of chiefs and opinion leaders in the northern part of the Volta Region who submitted the petition that led to the creation of the Oti Region, has indicated that they will accept any town chosen as the regional capital, there are indications that some of the towns are praying to be chosen.

These towns are Jasikan, Kadjebi and Kete Krachi.

Meanwhile, speaking during separate meetings with District and Municipal Chief executives as well as Chiefs from the Ahafo and Bono East areas of Bono Ahafo, Mr Dan Botwe revealed that while those from the North East and Savanna will receive their Constitutional Instrument(C.I) on next Tuesday, February, 12, 2019  those from Ahafo and Bono East will receive theirs on February, 13, 2019. – Additional files from graphic.

The results of the referendum that created the new regions have been gazetted by the Electoral Commission (EC) and the President issuing the CI will be the final act to be performed for the full creation and inauguration of the new regions.

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