President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has asked traditional authorities in the three regions-Bono, Bono East and Ahafo to demonstrate same commitment to the development of their respective regions as was exhibited by their founding fathers during the creation of erstwhile Brong Ahafo Region.
The President said the commitment of the founding fathers of the old Brong Ahafo Region such as hard working, discipline, patriotism, reliability among others which led to the creation and speedy development of the Brong Ahafo Region should be the guiding principles towards the development of their respective new regions.
The President said this in a speech read on his behalf by Prof. George Gyan Baffour, Minister of Planning at a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the erstwhile Brong Ahafo Region in Sunyani yesterday, to mark the 60th anniversary celebration of the creation of the region some 60 years ago.
While commending the founding fathers of the region for laying a strong foundation for the present generation, President Akufo-Addo said it was incumbent on the part of current generation to work hard for a better tomorrow for the succeeding generation adding that by so doing the sustainable development goals could be achieved.
The President announced that work would soon begin on the construction of regional offices and other infrastructure for the newly created regions for effective administrative work to start.
The chairman of the planning committee, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi presenting a report on the anniversary commended Dr Kwame Nkrumah, First President of Ghana and President Akufo-Addo for their foresight in the creation of old Brong Ahafo and the new regions and called for unity of purpose among the new regions in order to fast track its development.
He also paid glowing tribute to Mr Yeboah Afari Boahene, first Brong Ahafo Regional Commissioner, Mr Krobo Edusei, a minister in Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s government and the chiefs and queenmothers for their respective roles towards the creation of the region.
Prof. Akumfi however said negative tendencies such as back biting, bickering, rancour and division must be discarded if the forward march was to be achieved explaining that although the three regions no longer exist as one entity, they intrinsically exist culturally as was the vision of founding fathers of the region.
The Bono Regional Minister, Evelyn Ama Kumi Richardson on her part used the opportunity to educate the public on the upcoming referendum which would take place on December 17 next month.
According to her there should be a 40 per cent turnout and 75 per cent of people voting yes to ensure the success of the referendum.
The colourful durbar was interspersed with cultural displays among other activities.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, SUNYANI
