THE CONTINUOUS STAY IN OFFICE OF THE WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL MINISTER WILL UNDERMINE THE PROGRESS OF THE REGION: THE PRESIDENT MUST CRACK THE WHIP – Group

The Hon. Minister,
Ministry of Local
Government and Rural Development,
Ministries
Accra.

Attn: Hon. Hajia Alima Mahama

THE CONTINUOUS STAY IN OFFICE OF THE WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL MINISTER WILL UNDERMINE THE PROGRESS OF THE REGION: THE PRESIDENT MUST CRACK THE WHIP

Our attention had been drawn to a letter written by the Western North Regional Minister (RM), Hon. Kingsley Aboagye-Gyedu, to the Local government Ministry dated June 11, 2019, with the reference number WNRCC/L.G4/01/01/01, which contains some accusations against the Deputy Regional Minister (DRM), Hon. Alex Djornobuah Tetteh. In the said letter, the RM accused the DRM of undermining his authority as the political head.

The Regional Minister also accused the President and the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional council, Okatakyie Kwasi Bumangama II, for conniving with the DRM to undermine his authority as the Regional Minister.

We are disappointed at the turn of events in the newly created region especially when the Regional Coordinating Council couldn’t resolve this seeming tension but has to receive the attention of the Local government Ministry and the president. This can best be described as Leadership Crisis!

Western North Region was created primarily to spearhead the development of the Western part of the then Western Region. This was the main reason why all stakeholders came on board to ensure that the creation of the region become a success.

For development to take place in this region, there should be a collaborative effort between the Regional Coordinating Council headed by the RM and his deputy as well as the Traditional Authorities. This, will ensure the realization of the President’s vision of accelerating development in Western North Region.

Unfortunately, the rivalry between these stakeholders (as Contained in the RM letter) cannot foster progress.

It is also disappointing for the RM to battle with the Traditional Authorities over a matter that could have been easily ironed out amicably. It is instructive to note that, No government can develop a nation without the support of the Traditional Authorities and it’s citizenry. It is therefore important to have a harmonious relationship between all stakeholders. So for the Regional Coordinating Council to incur the wrath of Nananom is very shameful, disappointing and dangerous to the growth of the region.

We are by this release calling on your office and that of H. E the president of the republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, who has the power to appoint and disappoint to intervene in this matter by cracking the whip. The continuous stay of the Regional Minister and the Deputy Regional Minister in office will undermine the progress of the newly born region. It is instructive to note that, this power play at the RCC cannot be resolved and the duo cannot cooperate with each other. This is evident in the RM’s letter when he said, the Former Western North Regional Minister, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie and other stakeholders had taken the pain to iron out their differences but have proven futile.

If the Political heads cannot cooperate with each other, how can we develop as a region?

For us in Western North, we are interested to see our region develop and not interested in the power struggle between the RM and the DRM. Hence, our call on the president to do the needful by either dismissing one of them or both since they have demonstrated that, they cannot work together as a team. Without team work, no positive results will be achieved and this will go a long way to undermine the government.

Meanwhile, we will like to call on the RM to apologise unreservedly to Okatakyie Kwasi Bumangama II, Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional council for the insulting words on the King.

We must all remember that, Western North Region is here with us and we all have responsibilities to ensure it’s rapid development. However, any act that will undermine this desirous vision must not be tolerated.

We trust that this release will attract the needed attention.

Thank you.

……..Signed……..

Nana Yaw Opoku
(President)

Esther Mensah
(Project Coordinator)

Kofi Kyei
(PR Unit)

WESTERN NORTH DEVELOPMENT AMBASSADORS (WNDA)

18th June, 2019.

0552917735