The creation of an Oti Region from the Volta Region was not a politically motivated decision but was based on economic impact such a separation could create, Dr. Archibald Letsa, Volta Regional Minister-designate has said.
He said the separation was necessary because Volta Region was a unique region in Ghana because it traversed through many ecological zones from the South to the North which posed many challenges to the diversified ethnic groups.
Dr. Letsa was in support of a creation of another region in the northern part of the Volta Region to be known as the Oti Region, when he appeared before the Appointment Committee of Parliament yesterday to be vetted for his regional ministerial portfolio.
He opined that the creation of another region was imperative in view of the fact that many people from the northern part of Volta Region endured a lot of inconvenience and hardships when they were engaged in official processing of documents at the regional capital, Ho.
Dr. Letsa said he was aware that a host of public and civil servants, both active and retired travelled long distance to Ho for official business which sometimes got many stranded, especially, behind the Oti River adding such situation did not auger well for regional cohesion and balance.
He said another region would address the plight of such people apart from unleashing potential economic transformation in the area.
He cautioned a secessionist group in the region to stop their activities which borders on treason before being apprehended by national security operatives.
Dr. Letsa said their engagements in the region undermine the constitutional provision of national cohesion and must therefore not take things for granted.
Touching on his vision for the region, he said, there was the need to complete all ongoing projects initiated by the previous government, especially, the Eastern Corridor Road.
The nominee promised to explore the possibility of using the salt industry in the Ketu South and Keta district to develop a petro-chemical industry in the region.
Dr. Letsa said the government would pursue its agenda of constructing a landing beach at Keta as well as explore the prospective potential of the Keta Basin for oil and gas exploration.
He said, his administration would engage all stakeholders to uphold the peace in the region through constant dialogue and open communication.
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