Dr Eric Oduro Osae, a Governance Expert, said in Ghana the only thing that unify the people is football and referenda and urged the populace to continue the unity to enhance the country’s developmental efforts
He said for the fact that there were others who were not in favour of the creation of new regions, “it important that we carry along those minority in every developmental agenda of those new regions.
Speaking at the GJA/STAR-Ghana second edition of “We the People”, a monthly broadcast to strengthen Media-civil society organization partnership for inclusive local governance, Dr Osae emphasised the need for Ghanaians to take advantage of the opportunities to let the creation of the new regions work.
The forum was on the topic “the Creation of New Regions: What next?” brought together CSOs including the media, Association of People with Disabilities (PWDs) and the GBC Ladies Association.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is implementing an 18-month project with funding from STAR-Ghana, Strengthening Transparency Accountability and Responsiveness in Ghana.
The project: “Enhanced Media-CSO Partnerships for Inclusive Local Governance,” is aimed at strengthening media and CSO collaboration for inclusive and accountable local governance in Ghana.
Under the project, GJA will build the capacity of Journalists to work meticulously and consciously with Civil Society Organisations, CSOs in order to influence critical local governance policies such as the proposed election of Metropolitan Municipality and District Chief Executives, referendum, constitutional and other legislative amendment processes, partisan District Assembly election, the creation of new regions/districts, as well as other developmental issues that directly affect women, youth, persons with disability, children, and socially excluded persons in the communities.
Overall, the interventions are expected to contribute to enrich citizens’ access to quality information through structured media platforms and CSOs outlets.
As part of project implementation, GJA has institutionalized a Television Programme dubbed “WE THE PEOPLE” which will be broadcast on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s major digital television channels across the country.
Dr Osae therefore urged the government to research into the infrastructural needs of the new regions to achieve the goal of equity distribution and development of those regions.
On the distribution of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund, Dr Osae said the Funds are disbursed according to the needs and development of the districts.
Dr Osae noted that the creation would not put additional burden on the existing regions as they would continue to have their budget running.
In terms of transfer of human resources, he denied the assertion that the new regions would share personnel with the existing regions.
He said, the Head of Civil Service would ensure that adequate personnel are sent to those regions to perform their duties.
He therefore urged Chiefs and individuals who have lands and other infrastructure within the newly created regions to willingly give them up for projects.
Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, Chairperson of STAR-Ghana Steering Committee, on her part, advised the public to endeavour to make the creation of the six regions work.
She urged the government to ensure balanced and equity development from the geographical and political administrations that were created.
She said the regions need certain infrastructure needs to operate efficiently and reminded the authorities to ensure that the new infrastructures in those new regions are responsive to People With Disabilities.
Dr Ofei-Aboagye urged the public including the civil society organisations to continue the dialogue and take up the mantle to keep the fire burning.