John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, has responded to a passionate appeal by the Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area, Zug-Raan, Asigri Abugrago Azorka for the creation of a new region out of the present Upper East Region.
Responding to the appeal during a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba at the start of his 2024 campaign on Saturday, Mr Mahama said a new region for the Kusaug area has the potential to address the protracted chieftaincy conflict that has deprived the people of Kusaug of much-needed development over many decades.
He observed that compared to the northeast, which was carved out of the northern region, the Bawku area is bigger in population and land size.
“These are constitutional issues. I hope and pray that the Commission of Enquiry will do a good job facilitating the process. I strongly believe it will also address the security issues here,” he emphasised.
Welcoming the NDC flagbearer and his team to his palace, Zug-Raan, Asigri Abugrago Azorka commended Mr Mahama for his peaceful character and exemplary life.
He lamented abandoned projects, especially roads, including the Bolgatanga to Bawku Road, schools, the Tamne Dam, and others, which have all suffered since the NDC left office in 2017. The chief hoped work would kick start on them when Mahama and the NDC are elected in December.
The Bawku Naba, on behalf of his chiefs, queen mothers and people, also asked the NDC leader to prioritise the construction of a government hospital in Bawku to serve as a referral hospital for health centres in the area and convert the Savanna Agricultural Research Centre into a University of Agricultural Research.
Mahama was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga; National Vice Chairman and Campaign Manager, Professor Joshua Alabi; national, regional and constituency executives; members of parliament; parliamentary candidates, former appointees and supporters of the NDC.
Mr Mahama and his team are expected to visit the Pusiga, Garu and Tempane constituencies on the first of his 4-day tour.