The History of Western North Region

SYNOPSIS
The Western North Development Association (WENDA), the then, Sefwiman Development Association (SMDA) is a pressure group in the western north region, with the objective to champion and drive the development in the region. In 2011, Dr. Tony Tsina Addai, a native of Sehwi Bibiani in the western north region together with some other natives in the diaspora and home saw the need for the establishment of the western north region. To facilitate the creation of the region, all stakeholders were consulted. The idea to fight for the creation of a separate region had existed years before the formation of Wenda. It was identified that without a region it would be highly unfeasible to achieve the kind of development needed in the area, as such, to attain a regional status was very indispensable to serve as a catalyst towards a convalescent development of the area.

The historical background of Wenda commenced with the thought that the tribes of Sehwi, Aowin, and Suaman needed to separate themselves from Western Region. The proposed name for this region was “Western North Region”, which has become a reality today. This thought started time immemorial; in fact, it was somewhere in the 70s and 80s; that some prominent people of Western North, particularly, the late

Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, (Nana Kwasi Tsina Addai III ), discussed the idea of our area to separate from Western Region. However, the thought did not receive concrete recognition. In the same way, the late Nana Kwadwo Aduhene, also the Paramount Chief of Sehwi Wiawso Traditional Area, did share the same dream but his efforts did not avail much either. In a nutshell, the thought of getting a region as “Western North” had commenced long ago but could not be led into reality. After the thought of getting a region by our late paramount chiefs failed, other opinion leaders, several groups and individuals came to continue the idea but they also gave up alongside many years back. This great idea was left slothful for many years as many people lost ambition due to several failed endeavours by antecedent people and groups. The thought was reignited after Dr. Tony Tsina Addai visited Ghana, precisely, Sehwi Bibiani, in 2011.

On his way back to Europe, he had a discussion with his elder brother, honourable Christopher Addai, the former Mp for Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai district at the time about the undeveloped nature of the western north despite its huge contributions to the economy of Ghana through the exploitation of its natural resources. The discussion lingered on the mind of Dr. Addai while in Europe. He finally thought of contacting his native (Western North) colleagues around Europe, America and the rest of the world where natives happen to be with the sole message of sensitizing and conscientising the people of the area on the importance of getting our own region. This brought about the formation of the association SMDA in 2011. Facebook and several WhatsApp platforms were created to support the campaign for achieving Western north region. Dr Addai made contact with the Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area[ Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II] about the need for our own region. Uniformly, Dr Addai also made contact with the Paramount Chief of Sehwi Wiawso Traditional Area [Katakyie Kwasi Bumangama II] about the need for our own region. Several sub-chiefs, MPs, DCEs/MCE, CEOs, Regional minister, Assemblymen were talked to across Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Wiawso, Bodi, Akontombra, Juaboso, Bia West and Bia East areas and they all acceded that is a good dream that our leaders had years ago but to no avail; however, this time around they will all support to make it triumphant one. This gave Dr Tony Tsina Addai and the rest of Wenda members more aspiration with the rest of our leaders support.

Dr. Tony Tsina Addai who is the founding father of this noble association did not end up there. He thought of getting access to the people of Aowin and Suaman with this mindset. Dr Addai and the group asked for all hands on deck. Dr Addai disseminated to some vibrant personalities of Aowin and Suaman to join the undeniable dream. They understood, bought into, and shared the dream. These leaders of Aowin and Suaman proposed that the association’s name must be changed since Sehwi is a tribe on its own. An agreement was reached out of enthusiasm, and the name of the association was changed to “WESTERN NORTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION” (WENDA).

As of 2012, the group could not get contact of both Suaman and Aowin paramount chiefs, however the current and former MPs/DCE/MCE within Aowin and Suaman were informed and some were even added to Wenda various platforms. The western regional minister at the time was informed and added to the group including both the current and former Mps/DCEs and MCEs within the entire Sehwi area were equally added to the group platforms. All kinds of native professionals both home and abroad were searched for and added to the group platforms. These include Lawyers, Professors, Doctors, CEOs etc were all added to the group and many are still with the group platforms until now. After sometime, the Awoin area got a paramount chief so Dr Addai once again reached out to the new paramount chief of Aowin[Beyeeman Tano Kwan Benbuin II] about this same idea of uniting for the demand of a new region which the chief concorded with the idea. At this point in time the group had got all leaders and intellectuals within the area on board and therefore ready for major action. Petition was then written to be presented to Ghana Parliament for the need for our own region which was even published online. You can search for this information through Modern Ghana website with the title "Sefwiman Gear Up To Petition Parliament’’ this was dated back in 5^th June 2014. There was a delay in the petition process on the part of the lawyer the group hired and as a result, the group could not drop the petition to Ghana Parliament on time until the information outstretched the NPP party which all leaders and members on all Wenda platforms are aware about the petition to obtain our own region.

Dr Addai then made contact to the rest of the natives both home and abroad with the sole message of sensitizing and conscientising the people of the area about the importance of getting our own region. The adopted slogan at the time was “NO REGION NO VOTE”. (A Google search will learn credence to this claim). The resultant association out of this effort was the “Sefwiman Development Association (SMDA)” To enable the public to see the group on the ground and thereby effectively campaign for public support. Two offices were opened in 2014 in Bibiani town and 2015 in Wiawso Dwenasi town. The association gained grounds through personal engagements with the National Union of Sefwi Students and Alumni (NUSSA), social media handles like WhatsApp (2012), Facebook etc. Dr. Tony Tsina Addai did not rest there; he continued engaging with prominent people in Ghana, UK and beyond. Not to forget one Mr. Ato Kwamena Brown Eye, a Fante by blood, who was/is a radio presenter at Diamond Radio in UK [London}, was the first person to interview Dr. Addai on his “heat agenda”, published on Facebook and other social media. Mr. Ato assisted a lot at the beginning by spreading the agenda “Western North Region”. Dr. Addai and the people of Western north remain forever grateful for the pivotal role (Mr. Ato) played to achieve this goal. Other people like Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, CEO of Sahara Radio, United Kingdom, Dr. Augustine Blay, the Secretary to the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia. Dr. Ampaabeng sacrificed his FM station in Birmingham, UK, for broadcasting and publications on the said agenda. Compliments to all Wenda executive members who sacrificed their time, knowledge and money towards the fight for the region are as follows; Dr Augustine Blay[GH] the secretary to the Vice President of Ghana, Mr Andrew Otchere[UK], Mr Stephen Otchere[UK], Dr Albert Korankye[GH], Mr Oduro Mensah{GH}. Prophet Wisdom Aha{GH}, Dr David Tetteh [GH} Madam Rosemary Sandison Castro[GH], Mr Frank Danso[GH], Mr David Tweneboah[Founder for Seda][GH], Madam Faustina Yiribokeya[GH], Mr Gabriel Gyasi[GH], Madam Sarah Aduabaa Yeboah[GH], Mr Daniel Addae[GH], Mr Osei Owusu Adomako[GH][Shaggy], Mr Eddie Gyapong[GH], Mr Isaac Mensah[USA], Lawyer Adu Mintah[GH], Mr Charles Mensah[USA], Mr Michael Tawiah[USA], Mr Ebenezer Assoah[GH], Mr Oppong Kent[GH], Mr Frank Newman[GH], Madam Esther Tawiah[GH], Mr Frank Ampomah[GH], Mr Collins Ackah[GH], Mr Francis Buabeng[GH], Mr Eric Makafui Atikpo[Osaberima Osabee][GH], Miss Josephine Adjei{GH}, Miss Theodora Yeboah[GH], Mr Thomas Bediako{GH}, Mr Fredrick Yeboah Kessey{GH], Mr Solomon Ackaah{UK}, Mr Patrick Opoku{GH}, Miss Vida Baidoo{GH] etc. Please kindly understand that we can not list all the over 500 members at the time. The association pushed on to get representatives across all the regions in Ghana, especially in the capital cities and various universities through Nussa branches. Representatives were also chosen at Aowin, Suaman, Bodi, Akontombra, Bia East, Bia West, Juaboso, Wiawso and Bibiani -Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality to spread the message. This message procured grounds to the extent that many radio stations in Ghana and Europe were calling Dr. Addai to be interviewed and many became convinced that this is it we shall no more fail but shall succeed this time around. Individuals like Mr Alex Baah who was/is still a radio presenter at De-Beat Fm was interviewing Dr Addai on De-Beat Fm and sharing the audios to other radio stations across the entire Fm stations in the area.

The campaign was so spread out across the country through major media houses.

The association had publications on Modern Ghana website, Ghana web as well as Daily Graphic including Facebook and several radio stations both in Ghana and Europe. Some high-profile members of the NPP were following Wenda publications on all kinds of media houses and platforms to see how serious the group was taken by the people of western north. The idea intrigued the NPP political party because over the years it was only Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai municipal which has been voted for NPP. Hence, the party also took our campaign as an opportunity to win votes from the area since without the party coming to power we can not also achieve our demand. As a result, on 12th August 2016, when then presidential candidate of the NPP Nana Addo was on his campaign trip for his presidential ambition, he said and I quote' It is, thus, about time the Western North becomes its own separate, independent region'. This consequently led to the NPP adding the creation of Western North Region to their manifesto which was released on the 9^th October 2016. After the endorsement of the campaign for the creation of Western north region by then candidate Nana Akufo Addo, there came about other new groups and individuals to help Wenda to accomplish its continued campaign for the call of a separate region.

The new groups included the Solidarity Movement For Western North[WNSM]led by Lieutenant Colonel[rtd] A. Aduhene. Also, the Sefwiman Development Alliance [SEDA] led by Mr David Tweneboah who consequently became an executive member of the mother group Wenda. Another group known as Network for Western North Development was founded by Mr Oheneba Kwame Atta Bennie Cosmos. In addition, the Secretariat Office was created at Wiawso also led by Lieutenant A. Aduhene with the aim to support the demand for the new regional creation. At this juncture, the heat of change by acquiring Western north region was really all over the area. Since we needed a new region and it has been promised by NPP leader and they also needed votes to win power, extreme campaign was made for the party to win power. This idea for regional status had been around over 46 years prior to the 2016 election but had never been successful so this time all the people and the leaders took it extremely serious. Most of the paramount chiefs and their members stood up to the campaign including some MPs/DCEs/MCEs/ Queen mothers and some prominent people were all involved. Some individuals supported the Solidarity Movement/ Secretariat including Hon. Alfred Obeng Boateng the current Mp for Bibiani municipality supported the movement with pickup to enable the team to move from one area to another as well as others we could not include their names at this juncture. In short, the NPP won the election which was a big excitement to the people across Western North. Thus, our dream has indeed comes true.

After President Nana Addo made it known to Ghanaians on the creation of new regions, he said it clear that these regions would be created based on a certain percentage of vote of referendum cast by the people in that area. This made Dr. Tony Tsina Addai come from overseas to Ghana to do underground campaign and educate his people on the need to vote “Yes” massively. He also paid a harmonious visit to the paramount chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area[ Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi] and his cabinet dedicated to the campaign to achieve yes vote in the municipality. Dr Addai went with the paramount chief of Anhwiaso himself and his campaign team several times to many towns and villages across the entire municipality to tell the people about the importance of acquiring a new region and therefore they should all vote yes. The citizens of the area did not have a doubt, that is to say, for someone to travel from Europe to the area for the sake of coming to vote yes for the campaign, is something worth it for those within to come out and equally vote yes. Dr Tony Tsina Addai as well met the CEO of Cocoa Board of Ghana Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo who came to show his support for getting a separate region by a yes vote. Several videos and pictures were taken to show his support for the campaign.

Dr Addai equally went to meet the paramount chief of Sehwi Wiawso[ Katakyie Kwasi Bumankamah] concerning the need for a successful campaign to achieve a yes vote for Wiawso municipality and other areas as such. Dr Tony Tsina Addai also went to meet Lieutenant Colonel A. Aduhene the leader of Solidarity Movement and the Secretariat of Western North to ensure yes vote to achieve the long-time dream. Dr. Tony Tsina Addai together with his group Wenda as well as other groups and individuals as mentioned earlier campaigned massively for the creation of the region we are all proud of today. To make the narration more soothing and engrossing, it was through this agenda propelled by Dr. Tony Tsina Addai and his team (Wenda) and many other groups and individuals as said before gave birth to the Western North Region which consequently led to the creation of other five new regions we see in Ghana today. Thus, Wenda, did not only succeeded in the creation of Western North region but also enabled other five new regions to be created as well. What success is that?

To keep our anticipation and narration juicier, the association before the name “Western North Development Association (Wenda)”, 2012, was called “Sefwiman Development Association (SMDA)” which was created in 2011. All this information can be accessed by Google search. To wet your appetite, could you believe on the celebration day of the birth of our beloved region, leaders in charge of the occasion who knew the effort that Dr Tony Tsina Addai and his team Wenda had played prior to this time, yet they did not even remember the group at all. Hahaha are you surprised? That is part of human, you can mainly be remembered when your help is needed. They did the celebration as if this idea was not picked up by a certain group which had led to this victory. I believe you might be surprised isn’t it? This is the world we live in today. Due to this, Wenda, went dormant for about two years due to the unfair treatment meted to it, specifically the failure on the part of our leaders to recognize the indefatigable, relentless and unflinching support the movement had given to the birth of our beloved region. Wenda was shocked that upon all the members did from 2011 to lead a massive campaign which can not be denied by any leader within the region, yet these same leaders turned their back on the association by pretending they did not even know the fact that this Wenda stood up when there was no hope. Thus, the association engaged with them at 2011 for the need for our new region and continued till the region was created failed to recognize the efforts made by the group. Hmm, I know just by reading through the history you are shocked yourself isn’t it? The very same leaders Dr Tony Tsina Addai spoke to them about the need for our separate region they agreed to support the group though none supported even GHS 1, at the end of the day these same leaders entirely forgot the effort made by the group completely is that not strange?. The same Leaders also failed to recruit some of Wenda members at the regional coordinating council (RCC). Now, the Association has resolved to give out its level best to the development of the region in spite of these past unfortunate events. Wenda has seven main WhatsApp groups, very active Facebook page, twitter page, Instagram, YouTube platform, TikTok and a well created and registered Website which help steers the affairs of the association. To search for the association in all the social media platforms as mentioned, just type Wenda Ghana and you will see the association page on either Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram etc. Our email address is ghanawenda@gmail.com. Wenda website is www.wendaghana.com. For further information please kindly contact the secretary on 00233247434025. The association has momo account in the name of western north development association. The momo number is 0598874513 please let the story touches your heart and help the group to support the region to achieve a better development.

With the WhatsApp groups, we have the Official Platform, Welcome to Our New Region, Wenda Abroad Students ,Dedicated Team, Executive Team, Chat Room, and the Office of the Presidency platforms. These platforms have various functions led by talented and high profile of persons championing the broad agenda of the association. The Association aims to do its best for the region so that posterity will be impacted positively. Today, Wenda is an association or pressure group known to social organizations and political parties in Ghana, and the world at large. Wenda! We have come to bring forth the lost hopes of Western North Region and turn our misfortunes to fortunes. Wenda! We have come to stay, Wenda, we believe to change life and turn things around because we have the men and women! Wenda we are ready to combat back and utilize what will make our region the best. This is the bibliography of Western North Development Association (Wenda) as well as Western North Region at large, founded by Dr. Tony Tsina Addai. Gathered by the President, Dr. Tony Tsina Addai, documented by the Secretariat Team: Mr. Maxwell Baidoo, Frank Owoahene Acheampong Stephen Owusu Amoah.

Thanks for reading.

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