By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh on Thursday called for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to deepen the country’s democracy.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that the current mode of appointing the MMDCEs has resulted in tension between local assemblies, MPs, and political actors, hence urged the need to move away from the current practice.
“The current mode of appointing MMDCEs, while constitutional, has led to recurring tensions between local assemblies and MPs, among political actors, and even within communities. We have all witnessed how some confirmation processes have sparked violent incidents. This is not sustainable,” said the Minority Chief Whip.
“Electing MMDCEs directly would provide an antidote to this challenge,” the MP further stated.
He outlined the numerous benefits that the country stands to gain from using elections to elect the MMDCEs.
“It would enhance legitimacy and local participation, minimize political interference and friction, clarify the distinct roles of MPs and MMDCEs, and ultimately reflect the true will of the people,” Annoh-Dompreh added. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the full statement released on the Floor of Parliament by Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, making a case for electing MMDCEs below:
On Thursday afternoon, the House had to defer this important matter due to other pressing business. I am therefore pleased that the statement on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) was finally delivered today.
Let me be clear: this is not a campaign against our current MMDCEs. It is not about pitting MPs against MMDCEs. Far from that. Rather, this is about deepening our democracy, promoting accountability, and improving our local governance system.
Since the 1980s, Ghana has practiced a system of decentralization which has served us well in many respects.
However, change is inevitable—and necessary. As a country, we must move with the times. We must be bold enough to evolve our governance structures in line with the growing demands for inclusivity and accountability.
The current mode of appointing MMDCEs, while constitutional, has led to recurring tensions—between local assemblies and MPs, among political actors, and even within communities.
We have all witnessed how some confirmation processes have sparked violent incidents. This is not sustainable.
Electing MMDCEs directly would provide an antidote to this challenge.
It would: Enhance legitimacy and local participation, Minimize political interference and friction, Clarify the distinct roles of MPs and MMDCEs, And ultimately reflect the true will of the people.
Some fear that elections could lead to political divisions or that certain regions would be “controlled” by minority parties.
But democracy is about reflecting the will of the people—even when it is not convenient for those in power. After all, MPs are elected. Assembly members are elected. Why then should MMDCEs be the exception?
It is time to open this matter up again and address it with the seriousness it deserves. The Constitution must be amended to pave the way for this reform.
We do not need to wait for another electoral cycle. We do not need to delay. As Parliament, as leaders, and as a country, we have a responsibility to act.
Mr. Speaker, I also call on the Local Government Committee and the sector minister—an experienced and passionate member of this House—to take this matter forward.
Let us not leave it to lamentation and rhetoric. Let us sustain the conversation and see this reform through to its logical conclusion.
Ghana deserves a more accountable and participatory local governance system. Enditem
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