The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has urged Ghana's two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to establish a consensus on electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). This agreement is crucial before implementing significant local government reforms. Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, IDEG's Executive Director, stated that the ongoing disagreement between the NPP and NDC on whether MMDCEs should be elected along political party lines or through non-partisan contests hinders durable decentralisation and responsive local governance.
Dr. Akwetey made this call at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation’s (IMCC) National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance in Accra. The two-day event, themed “Resetting Democratic Decentralisation for Accountable Public Service Delivery and Accelerated Local Development,” gathered regional ministers, MMDCEs, traditional leaders, and local government experts. They discussed the future of decentralisation and responsive local governance in Ghana.
Ghana has debated local government reforms for decades without achieving sufficient political consensus, according to Dr. Akwetey. He cited the failed 2019 referendum as clear evidence of the deep divisions surrounding this issue. The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) had previously recommended replacing presidential appointments of District Chief Executives with elections. It also suggested maintaining the non-partisan nature of local government elections, proposing qualifications for candidates and a phased implementation.
The government has since indicated support for the direct election of MMDCEs by citizens on a non-partisan basis. However, these proposed changes require constitutional amendments. Dr. Akwetey emphasised that the critical issue is not merely whether MMDCEs should be elected. It is whether the major political parties can agree on a system that strengthens local accountability and development. He noted, “The two major political traditions remain one of the greatest obstacles to durable local government reform.”
Dr. Akwetey suggested that if consensus emerges, political parties could participate while also creating space for credible independent candidates. He also called for greater national responsibility in financing decentralisation and democratic institutions. This is important as external development support faces increasing global pressure. Any new electoral arrangement must address the marginalisation of women, young people, persons with disability, and traditional authorities. Changing the method of selecting MMDCEs alone will not guarantee inclusive local governance.
Furthermore, Dr. Akwetey advocated for stronger fiscal decentralisation. He argued that political decentralisation without adequate financial resources would have limited impact. Greater resources at the local level must be accompanied by stronger auditing, financial disclosure, community monitoring, and professional public administration. Although Ghana has made progress in strengthening fiscal transfers and public financial management at the local level, local authorities still exercise less authority and control over resources than required for effective decentralisation.
He also called for the professionalisation of political parties through increased support for policy research, technical expertise, and institutional development, rather than solely campaign financing. A strong, merit-based, and politically neutral public service is equally necessary to build an effective local government system. Dr. Akwetey warned that frequent changes in public-sector appointments following government changes could undermine institutional continuity and weaken public administration. He urged stakeholders to strengthen legal protections for professional public servants and reduce political interference in the bureaucracy. Broad cross-party and public consultation is essential to ensure any adopted model enjoys legitimacy and continuity beyond changes in government.