Investigative journalist Simon Kwasi Boye, popularly known as Captain Sabuulo, has petitioned the Aowin Traditional Council and other stakeholders to initiate efforts towards securing an additional parliamentary constituency for the area.
In the petition, he called on the Omanhene, Nananom, political leaders and civil society organisations to unite and pursue the proposed creation of an additional constituency, with Aowin South suggested as one possible option.
Mr Boye said Aowin needed to take proactive steps to ensure its geographical size, population distribution and developmental needs were properly considered in any review of parliamentary representation.
He expressed concern about what he described as the lack of visible public mobilisation and coordinated advocacy in the area, warning that failure to act early could undermine Aowin’s opportunity to make a case for additional representation.
He urged the Aowin Traditional Council to convene a stakeholder meeting involving the Member of Parliament, former legislators, political party executives, assembly members, youth groups and civil society organisations to discuss the proposal and agree on a common strategy.
The journalist also proposed the establishment of a Constituency Creation Advocacy Committee to research the official requirements, assess Aowin’s eligibility, identify suitable boundaries and prepare a formal proposal backed by reliable data.
According to him, an additional constituency, if approved, could improve parliamentary representation and create more opportunities for communities to advocate for essential services, including roads, healthcare, education, electricity and potable water.
Mr Boye stressed that the initiative should transcend party-political interests, urging leaders across the political divide to work together in the interest of Aowin’s long-term development.
His appeal comes as Ghana considers constitutional reforms that include a proposed increase in Parliament’s membership from 276 to a maximum of 300.
However, the government’s proposal envisages retaining the existing 276 constituency seats and allocating 24 additional seats through proportional representation for women, young people and persons with disabilities, rather than creating 24 new constituencies.
Mr Boye therefore called for the status of the reforms and the applicable legal and electoral requirements to be established, urging Aowin’s leadership to engage the relevant national authorities through the appropriate channels.
He concluded by calling on traditional authorities, political leaders and residents to move from discussions to concrete action to ensure that Aowin’s interests receive proper consideration in future decisions on parliamentary representation.
Read the full petition
PETITION TO THE LEADERSHIP OF AOWIN, THE AOWIN TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, NANANOM, POLITICAL LEADERS, AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ON THE NEED TO PURSUE THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCIES IN AOWIN
To:
The Omanhene and Members of the Aowin Traditional Council
Nananom and Traditional Leaders of Aowin
Political Leaders and Stakeholders in Aowin
Civil Society Organisations
Opinion Leaders, Youth Groups, and Concerned Citizens of Aowin
Subject: An Urgent Call for Aowin to Take Proactive Steps Towards Securing an Additional Parliamentary Constituency
1.0 INTRODUCTION
I respectfully submit this petition to draw the attention of the leadership of Aowin, particularly the Omanhene and the distinguished members of the Aowin Traditional Council, political leaders, Nananom, civil society organisations, and all concerned citizens, to the urgent need for Aowin to position itself strategically for the proposed creation of additional parliamentary constituencies in Ghana.
This petition is not intended to criticise or disrespect any individual or institution. Rather, it is a sincere call for collective responsibility, strategic thinking, and proactive leadership to ensure that Aowin does not miss an important opportunity that could contribute significantly to its political representation and socio-economic development.
As discussions surrounding constitutional reforms and the possible creation of additional parliamentary constituencies gain attention, it is imperative that Aowin’s leadership begins to consider the implications and takes the necessary steps to ensure that the constituency is not left behind.
Aowin must wake up, organise itself, and take the necessary steps to secure its fair share of national development and political representation.
2.0 THE PROPOSED CREATION OF ADDITIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN GHANA
Information regarding the proposed constitutional reforms and the creation of additional parliamentary constituencies, potentially increasing the total number from 276 to 300, presents an important opportunity for constituencies and communities that may meet the relevant requirements.
Western North Region currently has nine parliamentary constituencies. Given the region’s geographical characteristics and the distribution of its population and communities, the possibility of creating additional constituencies deserves serious attention from the appropriate authorities and stakeholders.
Aowin, in particular, stands out as an area whose geographical size, settlement patterns, and developmental needs warrant a thorough assessment under the applicable criteria for constituency creation.
If the proposed creation of additional constituencies proceeds, Aowin must not remain on the sidelines while other areas actively explore opportunities to improve their parliamentary representation.
This is the time for consultation, research, advocacy, and constructive engagement with the relevant national institutions.
3.0 WHY AOWIN CANNOT AFFORD TO REMAIN SILENT
It is concerning that, despite the discussions surrounding the possible creation of additional constituencies, there appears to be little visible public mobilisation or coordinated advocacy in Aowin towards this objective.
While other constituencies and areas may already be exploring the possibility of obtaining additional constituencies, Aowin risks missing the opportunity if its leadership does not act promptly.
As one of the largest constituencies in Western North Region in terms of geographical coverage, Aowin deserves a serious assessment of whether its size, population distribution, administrative needs, and other relevant factors justify the creation of an additional constituency.
The concern is not that Aowin should be granted an additional constituency without due process. Rather, the concern is that Aowin must be present at the table, armed with evidence, a clear proposal, and a united voice, whenever decisions concerning the creation of new constituencies are being considered.
We cannot afford to wait until the process is completed before beginning to ask questions about what could have been done.
If there is an opportunity for Aowin to secure an additional constituency, the necessary groundwork must begin now.
4.0 THE NEED FOR AOWIN SOUTH AND OTHER POSSIBLE CONSTITUENCIES
One proposal that deserves serious consideration is the creation of Aowin South Constituency, subject to the findings of a comprehensive feasibility assessment and the approval of the relevant constitutional and electoral authorities.
Depending on the geographical, demographic, and administrative assessment, other suitable areas within the existing Aowin Constituency could also be considered for possible constituency arrangements.
The objective should be to determine whether Aowin qualifies for one or even two additional constituencies under the applicable national requirements.
The creation of additional constituencies, where justified, could offer several potential benefits, including:
1. Improved parliamentary representation: Communities could benefit from representation that is more responsive to their specific needs and concerns.
2. Enhanced development advocacy: Separate representation could create additional opportunities to advocate for roads, healthcare, education, electricity, water, and other essential services.
3. Improved access to public institutions: A revised constituency arrangement could bring political representation closer to communities that are geographically distant from existing administrative centres.
4. Greater political participation: More localised representation could create opportunities for communities, particularly young people, to participate more actively in national political processes.
5. Stronger development planning: A properly justified constituency arrangement could help stakeholders identify and advocate for the specific developmental priorities of different parts of Aowin.
However, these benefits will depend on the actual circumstances, the relevant legal requirements, and the manner in which any new constituencies are established and administered.
For these reasons, Aowin needs a properly researched proposal rather than assumptions alone.
5.0 MY APPEAL TO THE OMANHENE AND THE AOWIN TRADITIONAL COUNCIL
I respectfully appeal to the Omanhene and the entire Aowin Traditional Council to take a leading role in bringing this important matter to the attention of the people.
Our traditional authorities remain influential custodians of our collective interests and development aspirations. Their involvement could help unite the various stakeholders and encourage a coordinated response to this opportunity.
I therefore respectfully propose that the Traditional Council convene a meeting involving the relevant stakeholders to discuss the possibility of securing an additional parliamentary constituency for Aowin.
Such a meeting could bring together:
Traditional authorities and divisional chiefs.
The Member of Parliament and former parliamentary representatives.
Political party leadership and constituency executives.
Assembly members and local government representatives.
Civil society organisations.
Youth and community groups.
Development advocates and other concerned citizens.
The purpose would be to examine the available information, establish the relevant requirements, and agree on a practical strategy for pursuing the matter through the appropriate channels.
Nananom, this is an opportunity for Aowin to demonstrate foresight, unity, and commitment to the future of our people.
6.0 A CALL TO POLITICAL LEADERS, CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
I also call on political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to recognise that the question of constituency creation should not be treated solely as a partisan matter.
The future development of Aowin concerns every citizen, irrespective of political allegiance.
Political leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, and other stakeholders should therefore work together to establish whether Aowin meets the relevant requirements and, if it does, to develop a strong case for consideration by the appropriate authorities.
I further propose the immediate establishment of a Constituency Creation Advocacy Committee for Aowin.
This committee should be tasked with:
1. Researching the official criteria and procedures for creating new parliamentary constituencies.
2. Assessing Aowin’s geographical size, population distribution, settlement patterns, and other relevant considerations.
3. Identifying suitable options for possible constituency boundaries, including the proposed Aowin South Constituency.
4. Consulting traditional authorities, local government officials, political leaders, and affected communities.
5. Preparing a formal proposal supported by reliable data and evidence.
6. Engaging the relevant national institutions and advocating for Aowin’s interests through lawful and appropriate channels.
7. Keeping the people of Aowin informed about progress and developments.
The committee should be representative, professional, and focused on the collective interest of Aowin rather than the political interests of any individual or party.
7.0 THE NEED FOR URGENT ACTION
The most important message of this petition is simple: Aowin must not sleep on an opportunity that could shape its political representation and development for years to come.
If other areas are already taking steps to explore the possibility of additional constituencies, Aowin should also be undertaking the necessary consultations and research.
We must not wait until the relevant authorities have completed their deliberations before we begin organising ourselves.
At the same time, our advocacy must be guided by verified information. The relevant authorities should confirm the status of the reported proposal to increase the number of parliamentary constituencies to 300, the legal and constitutional procedures involved, the applicable eligibility criteria, and the timeline for any decisions.
Once these details are established, Aowin’s leadership should move decisively to present its case.
Our demand is not for special treatment. It is for Aowin’s circumstances to be properly assessed and for our people to have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the process.
8.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I respectfully urge the Omanhene and members of the Aowin Traditional Council, Nananom, political leaders, civil society organisations, and all concerned citizens to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Aowin has a responsibility to protect its long-term interests by identifying opportunities for improved representation and development. We cannot afford to remain silent while important national decisions are being discussed.
Let us rise above political differences, come together as one people, establish a representative committee, undertake the necessary research, and engage the relevant authorities with a well-prepared proposal.
If Aowin qualifies for an additional constituency, our collective efforts should help ensure that the opportunity is not lost through inaction.
I therefore respectfully call on the leadership of Aowin to wake up, take the initiative, and begin the necessary work towards securing an additional parliamentary constituency for our beloved area, with Aowin South as one of the proposals for consideration.
The time for awareness must lead to the time for action.
Aowin deserves to be heard. Aowin deserves proper consideration. Aowin must be part of the conversation.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
SIMON KWASI BOYE
[ Captain Sabuulo ]
Investigative Journalist,
