Oti Residents Support Creation Of New Region Out Of Volta

The Joint Consultative Committee of the Oti Movement is questioning why some persons in the Volta Region, are opposed to the creation of the Oti Region.

The movement, which has been at the forefront of campaigns for the split of the Volta Region, believes those against the move do not appreciate the critical developmental needs of the area.

The Justice Brobbey Commission of Inquiry yesterday presented its report to President Akufo-Addo in which it recommended six new regions, including the Oti Region out of the Volta Region.

But the people of Southern Volta seem unhappy with the process. Speaking to Citi News, Chairman of the Research and Planning Committee for the Oti Movement, Martin Akotey, said the split is necessary and timely.

“I find it difficult to understand why some people would not be happy that there is going to be more development and more investment in the area, so if there are people in the region, who are not happy, maybe they don't yet have the full meaning of the issue and we believe that as we move forward they would come to understand and get on board,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , has described as unnecessary, the possible creation of six new regions in the country.

According to him, the country can develop without new regions.

“Some of us take the view that we can still develop at a faster rate without further bureaucracy, without a bigger government. My personal view honestly, is that we don't need more regions,” he said on Citi TV's morning show, Breakfast Daily on Wednesday.

The Minority Spokesperson on Employment and Social Welfare, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, also believes the creation of six new regions could endanger national cohesion and heighten ethnic tensions .

The Commission of Inquiry set up to consider submissions by petitioners and the general public in selected regions on the proposal, presented its final report to the President on Tuesday.