Ahead of the naming of the regional capitals for the newly created regions this week, some chiefs in the Mamprugu traditional area in the newly created North East Region have joined forces to push for Nalerigu to be made the capital.

“Your excellency, we the undersigned/thumb printed Paramount and Divisional chiefs from the Mamprugu Traditonal Area, wish to bring to your notice that, the request by our father the Nayiri -Overlord and President of the Mamprugu Traditional Area for he sitting of the North East Capital in Nalerigu has our full support ”, they stated in a letter dated February 10.

An overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote on December 27, 2018 saw the creation of Ahafo, Bono East, North East, Oti, Savannah, and Western North regions.

The President is required by Article 5(8) of the 1992 Constitution to issue a CI giving effect or enabling effect to the results of the referendum for the creation of new regions.

In line with this, government has announced three ceremonies have been scheduled from February 12 at the Jubilee House for Nana Akufo-Addo to issue the CI which will also name the regional capitals for the six regions.

But ahead of that, the chiefs said Nalerigu is the traditional seat of the Mamprugu Traditional Kingdom and that it is home to all of them which can easily be upgraded to a Regional House of Chiefs, hence their support.

The letter, addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo explained the traditional seat of the Mamprugu traditional area as well as home to all, and can easily be upgraded to a Regional House of Chiefs, hence their support.

Again, the chiefs said there is a reliable health facility, Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu, which they say, can also be converted into a Regional Hospital without much investment.

Meanwhile, the youth of Gambaga and Walewale who were also pushing for their town to be named the regional capitals, are not happy with the traditional council claiming the chiefs did not consult them.

They have indicated they will resist any attempt by anyone to undermine them.

Vice President of the Gambaga Youth Association, Abdul Mugis argued there is nothing wrong having the regional capital in Gambaga and having Regional House of Chiefs in Nalerigu.

He further argued that the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu which the chiefs claim can be converted into a Regional Hospital is “a mission hospital owned by Americans”.