Ghana began its independence in 1957 with five regions: Ashanti, Northern, Eastern, Western, and Volta. Over the decades, more regions were created as the population grew and administrative needs changed. By the 1980s, the number had reached ten, a structure that remained in place for over thirty years. However, demands for more regions persisted, driven by concerns about access to government services and regional capitals.
The creation of new regions in Ghana is governed by Article 5 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines a structured process. It begins with a petition from citizens or traditional authorities to the President, who then refers it to the Council of State for advice. If the Council advises that there is a need and substantial demand, the President appoints a Commission of Inquiry to investigate. In 2017, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed the Commission of Inquiry into the Creation of New Regions, chaired by Justice S.A. Brobbey.
The Commission's report, delivered in June 2018, concluded that there was substantial demand and need for new regions. This led to a referendum on December 27, 2018, in which all six proposed regions met the constitutional threshold of at least 50% voter turnout and 80% approval. The results were overwhelming, with Ahafo recording the highest approval at 99.68% and a turnout of 90.41%. The Electoral Commission declared that the new regions would be created.
The creation of new regions aimed to address spatial and administrative challenges. A study published by the International Federation of Surveyors found that the reorganization reduced travel distances to regional capitals by 50.2%, or an average of 62.4 kilometers. For example, residents of Oseikojokrom in the old Western Region previously traveled 380 kilometers to Sekondi-Takoradi, but the new Western North Region's capital, Sefwi Wiawso, was much closer.
Both major political parties had promised new regions in their 2016 manifestos. The New Patriotic Party committed to six, while the National Democratic Congress proposed five. The referendum itself was notable for the degree of cross-party cooperation, with NPP and NDC MPs campaigning together and chiefs and religious leaders adding their voices.
Each new region received GH¢20 million as seed capital to support the establishment of infrastructure. President Akufo-Addo named the capitals for the new regions: Damongo for Savannah, Nalerigu for North East, Techiman for Bono East, Goaso for Ahafo, Sefwi Wiawso for Western North, and Dambai for Oti. Caretaker ministers were appointed to oversee the transition until substantive ministers were named.
Not everyone agreed that creating more regions would lead to development. Some argued that the division of regions is only a form of deconcentration, which is the weakest form of administrative decentralization. They noted that the Upper Regions were divided decades ago, but that division did not automatically produce development. The link between creating regions and spurring development, they argued, has no empirical basis.
Key points
- The creation of six new regions in Ghana reduced travel distances to regional capitals by 50.2%.
- The referendum on December 27, 2018, saw overwhelming approval for the creation of new regions, with all six proposed regions meeting the constitutional threshold.
- Each new region received GH¢20 million as seed capital to support the establishment of infrastructure.
