Ghana's Cabinet has approved a plan to allow Ghanaians to elect their district leaders. Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will soon be chosen by popular vote. This is a major change from the current system. The government plans to present the necessary legal changes to Parliament before the end of 2026.
This reform is part of a larger effort to strengthen Ghana's decentralisation. The aim is to give citizens more say in how their local areas are run. It also seeks to improve the quality of services delivered at the local level. The current MMDCEs appointed by President John Dramani Mahama may be the last under the old rules. Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), announced these plans. He spoke about the new National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework for 2026-2030.
Currently, the President appoints MMDCEs. Parliament must then approve them. This reform will change Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution. The power to select these leaders will move from the President to the people. This means district chief executives will be directly elected. The government decided to make these elections non-partisan. This decision followed national consultations. Many Ghanaians prefer local elections to be free from political parties. This reflects Ghana's commitment to deepening its democracy and boosting grassroots participation. Previous Afrobarometer surveys have also shown public support for elected MMDCEs.
Dr. Hoedoafia confirmed that the Legislative Review Committee of the IMCCoD is leading the review of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). A new bill is expected before Parliament by the end of 2026. This review is needed because the current law has shown weaknesses after nearly a decade of use. The new law will also combine spatial planning and development planning. This integration at the district assembly level should make planning more efficient. It will help address issues with zoning and land use.
Stronger accountability measures are also planned. A new platform will be created. It will be like Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. This will ensure MMDCEs explain how public money is spent. Furthermore, the government plans to increase the share of the District Assemblies Common Fund. It could rise from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent. This will provide more funds for local development. Strict criteria will also guide the appointment of government nominees to assemblies. This will ensure these positions bring technical expertise instead of political favours.
These reforms signal a significant shift in Ghana's governance structure. The direct election of MMDCEs could lead to more responsive local governments. It may also encourage greater citizen engagement in local decision-making. The process for constitutional amendments and referendums is planned between 2027 and 2029. The first elections for MMDCEs could be held shortly after the new law is in place. Analysts will watch how these changes will affect local economies and service delivery.