Krachi chiefs appeal for creation of Oti Region
The chiefs and people in the Krachi Traditional Area have renewed their appeal to the government to create a new Oti Region out of the Volta Region if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins the 2016 general election.
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The Paramount Chief of the Krachi Traditional Area, Nana Mprah Besemuna, told President John Dramani Mahama at Kete Krachi last Saturday that the people of the area welcomed the NDC 2016 election manifesto pledge to create five more regions, and entreated the President to consider the inclusion of the Oti Region.
Nana Besemuna made the appeal at a durbar to climax the celebration of the Yam Festival of the people of Krachi last Saturday, which was graced by the President.
The Yam festival is celebrated to herald the harvesting of fresh yams and to give thanks to God for a successful farming season.
Agitation
Nana Besemuna said the people in the Oti area, comprising eight districts - Krachi East, Krachi West, Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Jasikan, Kadjebi Akan and Biakoye - started their agitation for the creation of the Oti Region during the Rawlings era.
"We renewed our demand in the Kufuor administration. We pledge our support for the creation of more regions in the country and wish to inform the President that we already have our petition before the government for the creation of the Oti Region and pray that we would be considered when the time comes," he said.
Impression
The chief told the President that the people were impressed with his performance and that they were satisfied with the numerous development projects the area had benefitted from.
"For us simple rural folks, the essence of governance is to provide projects that will enhance our socio-economic life. We thank you for our fair share of the national cake and we assure you that on December 7, 2016, we shall express our gratitude to you,” he assured. “After all, it is said better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. I think that makes sense," Nana Besemuna added.
He mentioned the inauguration of a pontoon christened "Freedom and Justice" on the Oti River and the reconstruction of the road from Kete Krachi to Dambai of which work was nearing completion as some of the benefits the people of the area had enjoyed from the government.
According to the chief, the pontoon had revamped commercial activities in the area and that the greatest legacy of the NDC government to Krachi East, West and Krachi Nchumuru areas was the establishment of the Midwifery and Nursing Training Colleges at Kete Krachi.
He, however, appealed to the government to solve the water problem in Kete Krachi, as well as rehabilitate the Krachi town roads.
Agribusiness
President Mahama said agribusiness would occupy a central part of his second term.
As contained in the NDC 2016 election manifesto, the party has promised to establish farmer service centres across the country, including Krachi.
On roads, President Mahama said the contractor working on the Dambai to Krachi road had promised to complete the project by the end of October this year.
Another important project that was ongoing was the Bandai Junction-Banda Junction-Wulensi road to join the Eastern Corridor road.
The President said it was only when the NDC was in power that Krachi saw progress, and mentioned the Kajeji-Kwame Danso road as one of the important roads that was receiving attention.
"We gave part on contract and the contractor has worked very well so we have added the remainder to him for completion," he said.
President Mahama has also directed the Minister of Roads and Highways to take over the 35km stretch from Atebubu Junction to Kwame Danso from the contractor working on it because of the delay.