Akufo-Addo congratulates voters, EC for successful referenda

The President, Nana Akufo-Addo has congratulated the people in the soon to be created regions for the dignified, peaceful manner in which they exercised their franchise and constitutional right.

He hailed the will of the people of Ahafo, Bono East, North East, Oti, Savannah and Western North which determined the results of Thursday’s referenda.

“I thank the members of the Brobbey Commission, led by the noted jurist, Justice S.A. Brobbey, a retired member of the Supreme Court, for the thorough and painstaking work the Commission did, which resulted in the recommendations that received overwhelming, popular endorsement,” he said. 

On Thursday, Ghanaians in some affected parts of the country turned out in their numbers to give virtually unanimous assent to the reorganisation of the nation’s regional governance structure, so as to bring government closer to them, and, thereby, accelerate their socio-economic development.

The vote ended with provisional results available to Joy News showing mostly a YES vote, which is a massive endorsement in almost all affected areas.

This is the first time, in a constitutional era, that regions are being created under constitutional provisions.

In each of the six affected areas, the threshold as stipulated in the Constitution for the creation of a region to succeed, i.e. at least 50% turnout of the registered electorate and at least 80% of votes cast in favour, was convincingly and spectacularly met.

The President in a statement also commended the new leadership of the Electoral Commission “for passing its first test by ensuring the holding of free, fair and transparent referenda.

“The security agencies and members of the media are also to be applauded for the invaluable roles played towards the success of this exercise.”

He said by the singular process of the referenda, it has again demonstrated to the world Ghanaians deep attachment to the principles of democratic accountability and the rule of law.

“It is a harbinger of that national transformation into the free, open, democratic state that is at the core of our national aspiration for freedom and justice.

“We are chartering new paths in the growth and development of our country, and I am confident that, together, we will put our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity,” the President said.

credit: myjoyonline.com