Deputy Minister of Regional Re-organisation and Development, Martin Agyei Mensah, has said it is too late for Togbe Afede to be complaining about the Commission of Enquiry that inquired into the need for the creation of new regions in Ghana.
Speaking on ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ on Happy FM, he said, ‘’I am baffled by the utterances of Togbe Afede, who was extensively consulted and involved in all spheres of the commission’s work perhaps more than any other Ghanaian on the creation of new regions. Moreover, it is too late for him to be complaining now.’’
According to him this phase of the exercise is in the hands of the electoral commission. He also advised any persons for or against the creation of the new regions to go and cast their ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes in the referendum according to their preference.
However, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV suggested that the Commission of Enquiry set up to investigate the substantial demand for new regions in the country did a shoddy work in apparent declaration of war on the creation of Oti Region.
He cited disregard for petitions to extend the commission’s public hearings to other parts of the affected regions, suppression of petitions opposing the creation of new regions or inclusion in new regions, and withholding the final report from the public as breach of the 1992 Constitution.
Government on the other hand has accused Togbe Afede of inciting his people against the government in the creation of the new regions, particularly the carving out of Oti Region from the current Volta Region.
By: Bridget Mensah
