A new governor has been welcomed into office in the Western Region following a major reshuffle of four of the ten regions in Cameroon.
Awa Fonka Augustine replaces Midjiyawa Bakari who has been transferred to the Far North. The presidential decree of June 4 brought about change in the Central, Far North, North and West while other governors have been able to retain their posts.
Hundreds of spectators turned out to celebrate Wednesday’s ceremonial change of command, in Bafoussam, chaired by HE Rene Emmanuel Sadi, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization.
The new chief referred to the Western Region as a cultural treasure and undoubtedly a tourist mecca, with its lush hills and beautiful scenery, and pledged to continue showcasing its rich ancient traditions and noblest that underlies its plural identity.
The Western Region is also and above all a major agricultural asset of the country and even the sub-region.
The bandits who spread terror, under the leadership of Governor Bakari, were asked to make their headquarters elsewhere, so the laborious men and women could live in peace, a comment which sparked an eruption of applause from guests in the gallery.
Despite the tenacity and sacrifice he demonstrated in the disastrous floods of 2O12 and managing multiple kidnappings of Westerners in the region of the Far North, Fonka certainly has his work cut out.
He has to be extremely vigilant against even the slightest threat as Boko Haram planes plague the skies of Cameroon. The governor must also effectively delegate the eight prefects within his department and is expected to boost agriculture production, reduce the rate of organised crime, solve environmental issues and improve regional roads.
Before the change-over ceremony Rene Emmanuel Sadi told him his journey will clearly be a busy one and unfortunately there will be no time for rest. Awa Fonka Augustine
Awa Fonka Augustine, 55, born in Akum, in the North West, joined the territorial command upon leaving l’ENAM (National School of Administration and Magistracy). He went on to serve as Deputy Prime Prefect of Mundemba, Sub-Prefect of Ekondo Titi , Nwa, Oku, Poli, of Babessi, Jakiri, Wum and Tiko, Prefect of Mbam and Kim. Finally he became governor of the Far North, a position he held for more than two years before his recent move to the West.
Regional Changes
Central Region: Mr. Joseph Otto Wilson, principal civil administrator, previously governor of the northern region, replacing Mr. Lom Eyene Roger Moses allowed to claim his pension rights.
Region of the Far North: Mr. Bakary Midjiyawa, main civil administrator, former Governor of the Western Region, replacing Mr. Awa Fonka Augustine.
Northern Region: Mr. Abate Edi `i John, Senior civil servant, previously prefect of the Sanaga Maritime, replacing Mr. Otto Joseph Wilson.
Western Region: Mr. Awa Fonka Augustine, principal civil administrator, previously governor of the region of the Far North, to replace Mr Bakary Midjiyawa.
