Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to create a new district in the Sissala East area of the Upper West Region if he is elected in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Mr Mahama made this announcement in response to longstanding appeals from the chiefs and people of Nabullo, who have been advocating for the creation of a separate Sissala South District to improve decentralization and address the development challenges in the area.

During a mini-rally held as part of his campaign tour in the Upper West Region, Mahama assured the traditional leaders that their request would be a priority under an NDC government.

He acknowledged the need for better governance and development in the region and emphasised that splitting the district would bring about more efficient administration and resources to under-served communities.

The former president, who is the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, urged the local chiefs to formalize their request by submitting a petition during the government’s re-dedication exercise.

This, he said, would ensure the official establishment of the new Sissala South District when the NDC comes to power.

“I know that the district is a very big district and the Sisala South area is quite remote from the district capital Atumu."

“We can re-demarcate and create the Sissala South District so that we can bring development closer to your doorsteps," he promised.

Mr Mahama’s promise was well-received by the chiefs and residents, who have long sought this division as a means to bridge the development gap and promote growth in the region.