GENERAL

Justice Brobbey Commission of inquiry begins public hearings on regions creation in BA
Imoro T. Ayibani/Ghanadistricts.com

Date Created : 2/7/2018 1:38:51 AM : Story Author : Imoro T. Ayibani/Ghanadistricts.com

The Commission of Inquiry into the creation of new regions chaired by Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey has begun public hearings in Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region into petitions presented to the President of the Republic Ghana, H. E Nana Akufo-Addo in June last year.

The Commission of inquiry into the creation of new regions was established by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo under constitutional instrument (CI 105) to hold public hearings in the Regions that have petitioned for the creation of news regions.

Justice Alan Brobbey, the Chairman of the Ten-member Commission in his address said the Commission has already held consultations with all the petitioners in Accra before these public hearings.

The Chair noted that the consultations were fact finding in nature and will assist the Commission in forming a view on whether there was the need and substantial demand for the creation of the proposed Ahafo and Bono East regions. He said the chiefs were the custodians of our tradition and speak for the people. Therefore, their views expressed will certainly be taken into consideration when making recommendations

Justice Stephen Alan Brobbey, the Chairman of the Ten-member Commission of Inquiry in his address said the Commission has already held consultations with all the petitioners in Accra before these public hearings.

Justice Alan Brobbey noted that the consultations were fact finding in nature and will assist the Commission in forming a view on whether there was the need and substantial demand for the creation of the proposed Ahafo and Bono East regions. He said the chiefs were the custodians of our tradition and speaks for the people. Therefore, their views expressed will certainly be taken into consideration when making recommendations

The Chair warned the audience against insulting or using insulting language when making their submission in the public hearings. "Your language must be as civic as you can especially, to our chiefs", he cautioned

The Chairman also noted that it was the first time the provisions of Article 5 of the 1992 on the creation or alteration of a region have been invoked. "There is therefore a duty on all of us to ensure that we chart a course that is ultimately in the best interest of our people", he appealed.

To create a congenial atmosphere for the chiefs to feel free to give information to the Commission, a meeting with the National. House of Chiefs was held in camera in Sunyani.

On the terms of reference, the Chair said they were contained in CI 105, and include to inquire, pursuant to petitions, into the need and substantial demand for the creation of new regions and thereby, the alteration of the Western Region, Brong-Ahafo Region, Northern Region and Volta Region.

Also to make recommendations to the President, based on its findings, on the creation and alteration of regions and to specify the issues to be determined by referendum and the places where the referendum should be held, where it makes recommendation for the creation and alteration of regions.

The Chairman announced that, the consultations of the Commission will involve public hearings in Sunyani, Kajaji, Yeji, Atebubu, Nkoranza and Techiman for the creation of Bono East Region out of the existing Brong Ahafo Region.

The meeting which was to afford the Commission the opportunity to seek the views of the Traditional heads will continue with public hearings in Goaso, Sankore, Hwidiem and Bechem on subsequent days.

President of the Brong Ahafo regional House of Chiefs (BARHCs), Nana Pemampem Yaw Kagbrese V in his welcome address expressed delight at the possibility of two new regions being carved out of the Brong Ahafo Region. He described the move as one that will be very beneficial to the citizenry in terms of employment opportunities and developments.

Mr. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the Brong Ahafo regional in his brief address said the people were ready for processes leading to the creation of the two new regions. He touched on jobs and development that the creation of new regions will bring to the people.