The Africa Development Council (ADC) believes electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) poses a significant risk to Ghana’s development. The ADC states that Ghana’s current national structure requires appointed officials at the district level. This ensures that government policies remain consistent across the country. It also helps maintain national unity.
This position follows recent government approval for reforms. These reforms will allow citizens to elect MMDCEs. They will be elected on a non-partisan basis. Currently, the President appoints MMDCEs. This appointment needs approval from two-thirds of Assembly Members. The proposed changes aim to amend Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
Dr Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation, revealed the reform plans. The ADC issued a statement signed by its President, Dr Bright Atsu Sogbey, and Scribe, Mr Michael Ackumey. The Council stated that each district needs representation directly from the President. They see elected MMDCEs as counterproductive to development goals.
The ADC explained that Ghana runs a unitary system. In this system, power flows from the central government to local areas. This differs from federal states with independent regions. They argue that the President is elected to implement a national agenda. Therefore, MMDCEs should act as direct links between the Presidency and local assemblies. Elected MMDCEs, they warn, might develop conflicting goals.
This conflict could clash with the President’s development agenda. An elected MMDCE gets their authority from voters. They might belong to a different political party. Their policies could oppose national programs. This scenario could lead to governance paralysis at the district level. Disagreements between the President and an elected MMDCE can stop progress. Central government projects might be delayed. National policies on health and education could face obstructions.
Unlike appointed officials, elected MMDCEs would have job security. This tenure could limit the President’s ability to remove underperforming officials. Such officials might impede national development. This could cause years of administrative gridlock. The ADC highlighted cost concerns as well. Electing officials across all 261 districts would be expensive.
Money spent on elections could be used elsewhere. This includes costs for logistics and security. Public education campaigns are also costly. The ADC suggested redirecting these funds. They proposed an "Agriculture Mechanisation Initiative." This initiative would fund modern farm equipment. It would also support irrigation and storage facilities.
This program aims to boost agricultural productivity. It seeks to reduce post-harvest losses. Employment creation and food security are key goals. The ADC questioned the effectiveness of electing MMDCEs. They asked if it is the best governance model for a unitary state. While local democracy is important, structures must support national development.
A system risking conflict between central and local government could weaken development. The ADC concluded that keeping the appointment system is the most practical option. This approach best supports Ghana’s development objectives. The potential for administrative deadlock and policy conflicts is a major concern.