Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the Western Regional Minister, has called on traditional authorities across the region to support government's decision in creating new regions.

He said the Government’s quest to partitioning some regions was to ensure more rapid socio-economic development but with no intention of dividing the people.

Dr Afriyie made the call when he visited the Omanhene of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketisa V, to officially introduce himself to him.

He said the region was mainly made up of Akans, who were matrilineal, and hence could never be divided on political grounds through the creation of new regions.

Dr Afriyie urged the chiefs in the area to assist in fighting that perception whilst concentrating on the broader picture of development.

He pledged his commitment to ensuring rapid socioeconomic growth adding; "I am starting a huge advocacy to uplift the region and I need the total support of all our traditional authorities".

Nana Nketsia described the minister as a "system thinker" who looked deep into the future than the present.

He recalled how the minister answered questions during his vetting and some selfless contributions he had made in the interest of the region and the nation as a whole.

Nana Nketsia urged the Government to ensure the revamping of the railways to bring back life to the region.

He said: "I don't want to believe that God has blessed us with poverty.... Look at all the natural resources we have, why should the people suffer? We must begin to do things right as a nation".

Nana Nketsia urged leaders to be committed to the truth and execute their tasks in uttermost sincerity adding; "you cannot rule with lies".

He said relocating the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Headquarters to Sekondi was imperative to reviving the twin-city adding; "when Sekondi rises, Ghana will rise again".

He advised the minister to learn from past ministers and draw some good lessons from their tenure to enable him to build a better region. Nana Nketsia tasked him to focus on growing the agricultural sector as well as growing the brand; “Western Region”.