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Sissala East Chiefs Petition President Mahama to Create Sissala South District

Introduction

In a significant move aimed at accelerating local governance and economic development in the Upper West Region, traditional authorities have formally petitioned the government for administrative separation. The petition, spearheaded by the Sissala East Municipal Chiefs, requests the creation of a new administrative unit: the Sissala South District. This initiative seeks to address the vast geographical and developmental challenges currently facing the region. By proposing Welembelle as the capital of the new district, the chiefs aim to bring governance closer to the people and unlock the economic potential of the area.

Key Points

Background

The push for the creation of the Sissala South District is not a new development but rather the resumption of a long-standing advocacy process. The administrative journey began in earnest in 2018 when a dedicated committee was established to organize proposals for the advent of the new district. This committee successfully completed its mandate, drafting the necessary frameworks to support the split.

However, the administrative momentum was halted by a technicality: the absence of the 2020 Population and Housing Census data. In Ghana, the creation of new districts is a data-driven process that requires accurate demographic and spatial statistics to justify the allocation of resources and political representation. With the census data now available or the process for utilizing it matured, the chiefs have revived their request, arguing that the time is ripe for administrative action.

Analysis

The proposal to create the Sissala South District highlights several critical issues regarding regional development and administrative efficiency in Ghana.

The Challenge of Geographical Size

The current Sissala East Municipality covers a sprawling area of approximately 5,092.8 square kilometers. In practical terms, this vast landmass makes it difficult for centralized administration to reach remote communities effectively. The “district split” argument is common in Ghanaian administrative discourse, and the Sissala case is a textbook example. When a district is too large, basic services such as healthcare, education oversight, and infrastructure maintenance often suffer due to logistical bottlenecks.

Economic Implications for Agriculture

The chiefs explicitly noted that the region is a major producer of maize, soya beans, and yams. However, the lack of administrative support hampers the “marketing” of these goods. A new district headquarters in Welembelle would likely host specific agricultural extension offices and market centers, facilitating better value chain management for local farmers. By creating a smaller administrative unit, the government can tailor development programs that specifically address the agricultural needs of the southern part of the region.

Readiness of Welembelle

Critics of district creation often cite the lack of infrastructure in proposed capitals. However, the petition for Sissala South is bolstered by the fact that Welembelle is already developed. The presence of a polyclinic, police station, and schools means that the proposed district would not require massive capital expenditure to become functional. This “readiness factor” is a strong argument in favor of the petition’s approval.

Practical Advice

For residents, stakeholders, and observers of the Upper West Region, the following steps are relevant during this period:

For Local Residents

Residents of Welembelle and surrounding areas should remain engaged with the traditional council. The creation of a district involves a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) in Parliament. Public hearings and community support are often required to bolster the case. Staying informed through local assembly meetings is crucial.

For Business Owners

Business owners in the agricultural and service sectors should prepare for potential changes in regulatory oversight. A new district assembly will mean new local fees and permits, but also new opportunities for government contracts and local development projects. It is advisable to establish relationships with the current municipal assembly to ensure a smooth transition should the split occur.

FAQ

Conclusion

The petition by the Sissala East chiefs to create the Sissala South District represents a strategic effort to enhance local governance and spur economic growth in the Upper West Region. By leveraging the infrastructure already present in Welembelle and addressing the administrative inefficiencies caused by the region’s vast size, the proposal offers a viable path toward development. If successful, the creation of this new district could serve as a model for other regions in Ghana facing similar administrative challenges, bringing government closer to the people and boosting the agricultural economy of the Sissala area.