Bolgatanga: Chiana Pio, Pe Thomas More Ditundini Adiali Ayagtam III, the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area in the Kassena-Nankana West District, has been elected as the Upper East Regional Representative for the Council of State. The 54-year-old leader, who also serves as the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, secured 18 out of 30 valid ballots in the 2025 Council of State election held in Bolgatanga, surpassing six other candidates.
According to Ghana News Agency, Pe Ayagtam III's closest contender, Mr. Thomas More, a physically challenged health professional and Chief Executive Officer of the Ayamfooya Memorial Clinic in the Nabdam District, garnered five votes. Mr. Peter Baba Aluze-ele, a Lecturer and Entrepreneur, received three votes. Mr. Justice Aduko, an Environment and Climate Change Consultant, secured two votes, while Mr. Bismark Adongo Ayorogo, Executive Director of the Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), and Pe Balinia Dennis Adda Asagpare II, Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area, each received one vote. Mr. Elias Ayinbila Apasiya, a Lecturer and Librarian at the Bolgatanga Technical University, did not receive any votes. Initially, nine individuals filed to contest the election, but Messrs Desmond Ayambire, a Project Officer, and Arabogo Ben Azumah, a Social Worker, withdrew from the race just 24 hours before the election.
After being declared the winner by the Electoral Commission, Pe Ayagtam III expressed gratitude to the Assembly members who formed the Electoral College for their trust. He assured the region's residents of his commitment to representing their interests effectively. He emphasized his dedication to ensuring the region receives its fair share of national resources, attracting investors for regional development, and improving the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Pe Ayagtam III highlighted the need for an airport in the Upper East Region, noting its strategic importance in attracting travelers from neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, which has led to prolonged droughts affecting food production. To address this, he plans to advocate for the construction of viable dams to support dry-season irrigation and enhance food security.
Additionally, Pe Ayagtam III pledged to work towards reviving the defunct Zuarungu Meat and Pawlugu Tomato factories to create jobs and boost value chain operations. He emphasized the historical significance of these factories, initially established during Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's era, and expressed his intention to collaborate with the government to ensure their revival.
