The Kusaug Traditional Council, led by the revered Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has intensified its campaign for a separate administrative region by submitting a formal, high-stakes petition to the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga.

The move signals a concerted effort by the chiefs and residents of the area to secure a new administrative boundary, which they argue is crucial for accelerated development.

The petition was formally presented on Friday at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council headquarters in Bolgatanga by a high-level, three-member delegation representing the paramount chief.

The delegation tasked with delivering the official document included key traditional and administrative figures from the Kusaug area:

1. Alhaji Azonko Mahamudu: Chief of the Gumbo Divisional Area and leader of the delegation.
2. Alhaji Osman Kasim: Chief in Charge of Environment.
3. Mr. John Abugre: A prominent member of the Kusaug Advisory Council.

The formal submission is the latest step in a long-standing aspiration for regional autonomy, which proponents argue will decentralise governance and allow for more focused allocation of state resources to the area, which currently comprises several vast districts in the eastern part of the Upper East Region.

Speaking after the submission, Alhaji Azonko Mahamudu expressed the Traditional Council's profound hope for presidential approval.

“It is our hope that the petition will reach the President of the Republic of Ghana for consideration and necessary action,” said Alhaji Azonko Mahamudu, clearly emphasising the final destination of the document—the Presidency.

Receiving the detailed petition on behalf of the government, the Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, assured the delegation that the request would be treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness.

Mr Atanga promised to personally ensure the document reaches the President's desk without delay, giving a direct assurance to the people of the Kusal Traditional Area.

“We will promptly submit the document to the President. It is our fervent hope that His Excellency John Mahama will listen to your request,” the Minister stated.

Mr Atanga strongly endorsed the rationale behind the request, emphasising that the primary objective of creating new regions is to enhance administrative efficiency and boost local development.

He stressed that such a move would be instrumental in unlocking the vast economic and natural resources currently underutilised in the area, thereby promoting tangible growth and significantly improving the livelihoods of the local populace.

The minister's remarks affirm the government's recognition of decentralisation as a vital tool for equitable national distribution of development projects and infrastructure.