I’ll fight for the separation of Chiana from Paga constituency – Mahama Ayariga

Introduction

The political landscape in Ghana’s Upper East Region is witnessing a significant development regarding electoral boundaries and representation. Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and the Majority Leader in Parliament, has publicly pledged to champion the cause for the separation of Chiana from the Paga constituency. This move addresses a long-standing demand for administrative efficiency and better political representation. As the debate over constituency creation intensifies, understanding the dynamics of the Chiana-Paga seat, its voter demographics, and the implications of redistricting is crucial for stakeholders and voters alike.

Key Points

Background

The constituency in question is the Chiana/Paga seat, located within the Kassena/Nankana District of the Upper East Region. Geographically, this area covers significant ground, encompassing multiple communities that rely on central political administration for development projects and social services.

Currently, the electoral landscape of Ghana is defined by specific population metrics maintained by the Electoral Commission. As of the 2024 data, the Chiana/Paga constituency hosts a registered voter population of 54,916. This figure places it in a moderate category compared to the national average. To understand the scale, it is helpful to look at the extremes of Ghana’s constituency populations. The constituency with the lowest registered voter population is Sekyere Afram Plains in the Ashanti Region, which has 22,814 registered voters. Conversely, the most populous constituency is Dome-Kwabenya, boasting 182,644 registered voters. Other high-density seats include Ashaiman (174,633 voters) and Awutu Senya East (173,995 voters).

The demand for redistricting is not new. According to Mr. Ayariga, the request to separate Chiana from Paga has been a topic of discussion for nearly 12 years. This period spans multiple parliamentary terms and election cycles, during which the issue has remained a contentious political promise. Historically, the creation of new constituencies is often driven by population growth, geographical size, and the need to bring governance closer to the people.

Analysis

The Case for Redistricting

The core argument for separating Chiana from Paga rests on the concept of “effective representation.” In a democratic setup, the efficacy of a Member of Parliament is measured by their ability to interact with constituents, initiate development projects, and advocate for local needs in Parliament. When a constituency becomes too vast, the MP faces logistical and administrative challenges that can hinder performance.

Mahama Ayariga’s intervention adds significant weight to this cause. As the Majority Leader, his support suggests that the proposal could gain traction within the legislative body. His statement, “I sympathise with you, I agree with you, I support you, and I will join you to fight for that cause,” signals a political alliance that could expedite the necessary constitutional processes required to create a new constituency.

Electoral Implications

Creating a new constituency involves a rigorous process overseen by the Electoral Commission, often requiring a constitutional instrument. If Chiana is separated from Paga, it would alter the political map of the Upper East Region. This change could lead to a redistribution of seats, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. Furthermore, it addresses the specific grievance raised by the Paramount Chief of Sirigu, Naba Atogumdeya Roland Akwara III, and the current MP for Chiana-Paga, Nikyema Billa Alamzy. They both highlighted that the sheer size of the current constituency impedes their ability to serve the people effectively.

From a socioeconomic perspective, Mr. Ayariga also linked the conversation to broader government policies on rural industry and agriculture. He noted that effective political administration is a prerequisite for economic initiatives to succeed. By ensuring that MPs can adequately cover their constituencies, the government believes it can better implement agricultural projects and reduce reliance on food imports.

Practical Advice

For Residents of Chiana and Paga

Residents interested in supporting this initiative should stay informed through official channels. Here are steps to consider:

• Engage with Local Leadership: Participate in community meetings organized by the Sirigu Naba and other opinion leaders to understand the progress of the demand.
• Voter Registration: Ensure your details are updated with the Electoral Commission. Accurate population data is the primary basis for creating new constituencies.
• Civic Advocacy: Support peaceful advocacy campaigns that highlight the need for better representation and infrastructure.

For Political Observers

Monitor the parliamentary schedule for any mentions of Constitutional Instruments (C.I.s) related to the creation of new constituencies. The Electoral Commission usually publishes roadmaps for electoral boundary reviews ahead of general elections.

FAQ

Conclusion

The pledge by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga to fight for the separation of Chiana from Paga represents a critical step in addressing a decade-long grievance. By focusing on the practical needs of effective representation and administrative efficiency, this move aligns with broader goals of rural development and democratic accountability. As the population of the Upper East Region continues to grow, the redrawing of electoral boundaries remains an essential tool for ensuring that every citizen receives the attention and service they deserve from their government.