Former President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the ongoing appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) may be the last to follow the current selection system.
Speaking at a forum on local governance reforms, Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Constitution Review Committee has proposed a major shift toward electing MMDCEs, a move that aligns with growing public demand for enhanced transparency and accountability in local governance.
According to Mr. Mahama, this recommendation is part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at deepening democratic participation at the grassroots level. “The voice of the people is clear. Citizens want to have a direct say in who leads them at the local level. The Constitution Review Committee has taken note of this and has recommended the election of MMDCEs going forward,” he said.
Under the current arrangement, MMDCEs are nominated by the President and approved by local assemblies, a system that has often been criticized for political interference and lack of responsiveness to local needs.
The proposed reform is expected to empower citizens, reduce partisan control over local governance, and improve development outcomes by making local leaders directly accountable to their communities.
Mr. Mahama noted that transitioning to elected MMDCEs would require constitutional amendments, public education, and consensus building. However, he expressed optimism that the process could be completed ahead of the next cycle of local government elections.
“If we are truly committed to strengthening our democracy, then allowing people to elect their local leaders is the way forward,” he emphasized.
The idea of electing MMDCEs has long been discussed in policy and political circles, with several civil society organizations and political commentators calling for its implementation.
If adopted, this reform would mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s decentralization journey, enhancing citizen participation and accountability at the local level.
