The Eastern Youth Development Association (EYDA), a youth group dedicated to promoting development in the Eastern Region, has declared its unwavering support for the call by chiefs and traditional leaders for the creation of a new region out of the Eastern Region.
In a statement, the association emphasized that the move would be a catalyst for accelerated development in the region.
"As a youth group with the main objective of championing the development of the region, we believe this is a step in the right direction," the statement read.
The EYDA highlighted several factors to back its support for the creation of a new region:
1. Land Size: With a total land area of 19,323 square kilometers, representing 8.1% of Ghana’s total land mass, the Eastern Region is one of the largest regions in the country.
2. Population: The region’s population stands at 2,925,653, accounting for 8.9% of the national population, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census. With an annual growth rate of 0.98% since 2010, the population is projected to have surpassed 3 million (3,012,512), making it the third most populous region in Ghana.
3. Contribution to National Economy: The Eastern Region contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy through agriculture, tourism, and its human resource base. The association underscored the region's wealth of natural resources and its pivotal role in national development.
4. Challenges in Accessing Services: The EYDA pointed out that the sheer size of the region and the distance between various districts and the regional capital have made it difficult for residents to access essential services, particularly in healthcare, education, and other social services. The limited availability of referral health facilities outside the capital was cited as a prime example.
5. Limited Development: Despite the region's size and population, the group expressed concern over the slow pace of development, noting issues such as inadequate healthcare, lack of potable water, unreliable electricity, and limited economic opportunities for residents.
As advocates for development, the EYDA is confident that creating a new region will address these challenges and foster socio-economic growth, particularly in infrastructure and service delivery.
"We believe this will significantly contribute to poverty alleviation and help bridge the development gap between the districts and the regional capital," the group said.
The association also announced its intention to petition political aspirants across the spectrum, presenting a proposed name and a list of 16 districts to be included in the new region.
The EYDA called on citizens and stakeholders in the proposed new region to rally behind the cause to ensure that the dream becomes a reality.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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