The capital of Buem, Jasikan went agog over the weekend as it hosted the first Oti Region Rally on Saturday.

The event saw thousands of people from Buem and other Oti areas walk through the streets of Jasikan with placards before converging at the rally grounds.

Some of the placards read: “Oti for Development, 100 per cent YES Votes for Oti, We don’t want Hohoe in Oti Region.”

The rally, which took place at the Jasikan R.C. Park, saw chiefs, queen mothers, political and religious leaders and interest groups of the area attending.

In his welcome address, the Acting Buemhene, Nana Opraw Akuamoah VIII, acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by natives and residents of Oti in the lead up to the creation of the new region and called for perseverance from all until the dream is realised.

The Chairman of the Joint Consultative Committee, Krachiwura Nana Mprah Besemuna II officially announced the death of Dr. Kwaku Addeah, Secretary to the Joint Consultative Committee and expressed optimism that his death will reinforce energies in the realization of Oti Region.

He added that the best befitting burial for Dr. Addeah is the creation of the Oti Region.

Mr. Martin Akotey, the Director of Research of the Joint Consultative Committee who outlined the geo-political, social and demographic characteristics of Oti said the people of Hohoe have never been interested and involved in the over 50 year struggle for the creation of Oti Region.

He recapped that Hohoe in the pre-independence era of Ghana, voted against the efforts to add Trans Volta Togoland to Ghana.

He therefore called on all to reject Hohoe’s attempt to be included in the Oti Region and noted that Oti was poised to deliver a 100 per cent YES votes in the upcoming referendum.

In his solidarity message, the President of the Tongu Youth Association Mr. Prince Tetteh said the support of Tongu Youth is borne out of the fact that there is a large population of Tongu natives in the Oti area, who equally suffer the negative effects of under development of the area.

“A better life for Oti Region means a better life for Tongu Settlers in Oti” he said and therefore urged the government not to relent in its efforts at creating the Oti Region.

The Amankrado of Jasikan, Mr. Samuel Duedu donated a Land Rover vehicle to the Jasikan District Organizing Committee of the Oti Region. Receiving the vehicle, Asafoatse Obeng Akyea, the Chairman of the District Organizing Committee expressed his gratitude and promised that it will be put to good use for the good cause of the region.

The next rally will be held at a yet to be determined district.

Credit: Graphic.com.gh