A leading member of the NPP in the North East Region, Dr. Shani Abubakari Bawumia, has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for underestimating the population size of the North East Region compared to the Bawku enclave.

The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the NDC, speaking at a gathering in Bawku, stated that he would support the people of Bawku in establishing their own region, emphasizing that in terms of population, the Bawku enclave surpasses the North East Region, the region of the NPP's 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia.

Additionally, Mr. Mahama highlighted that the landmass of the Bawku area is comparable to that of the North East Region.

"If you look at the North East, I believe the population in the Bawku area, encompassing these 6 constituencies, likely exceeds that of the North East; I do not have the exact figures. And if you consider the land size, it is comparable to that of the North East," he stated to applause.

However, Dr. Shani Bawumia, speaking to the media, suggested that former President Mahama's comments were divisive, pointing out that comparing the population sizes of the North East Region and the six constituencies in the Bawku enclave created division and worsened the security situation in Bawku.

He pointed out that the NDC presidential candidate had incorrect information and spread falsehoods to appease the people of Bawku, adding that the comparison made by Mr. Mahama between the North East Region and the Bawku enclave on population size during the gathering was unnecessary.

"Firstly, the North East Region is larger than the Upper East Region in terms of land size. The North East covers a total area of 9,070 km², while the Upper East Region covers a total land area of 8,842 km2. In terms of population, the Upper East Region has a total population of about 1.3 million people, while the North East Region has approximately 700,000 people. So clearly, Mr. Mahama had ulterior motives," he explained.

The NPP member also highlighted that even the land size of the Mamprugu Mo'aduri district and West Mamprusi Municipality in the North East Region alone is larger than the entire Bawku enclave: "the six districts in the Bawku area together cover a total land area of 4,374 km2, while Mamprugu Mo'aduri and West Mamprusi alone cover 4,892 km2. Did former President Mahama not know this?" he questioned.

Dr. Shani emphasized that there is nothing wrong with creating a region for the Bawku enclave out of the Upper East Region, but unfortunately, "Mr. Mahama is manipulating people's emotions just to regain the presidency, and that is very dangerous, especially in Bawku. He (John Mahama) is exploiting the volatility of the region to sow division and gain power."