Chiefs in the Upper West Region are questioning the composition of the Board of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority. SADA is aimed at improving the socio-economic development in the Northern and Savannah Regions of Ghana. The chiefs argue they have been under-represented on the SADA Board. They are asking that the nine member board be increased to 11 to include two traditional rulers from the Upper regions. The vice president of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Dr. Puoree Chiiri raised the concern at a workshop organized by the environmental protection agency for traditional rulers in the region. In a subsequent interview with Joy News’ Paa Kwesi Asare, Dr. Puoree said the constitution of the board is not in conformity with an earlier agreement reached. He explained that their demand for representation is just and in line with the tenets of democracy and representation enshrined in the constitution. He asserted that the Upper West has been neglected in the constitution of the Board but said they were yet to make any formal complaint to the government. John Jinapor, aide to Vice President John Mahama in a reaction expressed delight at the chief's concern but stated however that the government was only looking at competence and merit in constituting the Board as well as regional balance. “The crux of the matter is that we are not picking people based on the tribe or based on where you come from. We need competent people who are Ghanaians, whether you are from the Southern parts, middle belt or from the Northern sector, once you can contribute effectively towards the success of SADA we will be more than willing to have you on board,” he stated. He said broad consultations were done before constituting the Board. Source: Joy News/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana