Ashanti Regional representative on the Council of State, Yaw Obimpeh, has urged the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Dramani Mahama to expedite the appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for the region.
He stressed that the delay is significantly impacting the operations of local governance structures in the region.
Due to the absence of appointed MMDCEs, he stated, the General Assemblies of various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are unable to convene, hindering their ability to create policies and by-laws that ultimately affect the residents.
Speaking to our news team in Kumasi, about the implications of the delayed MMDCE appointments on local governance and development, Mr Obimpeh, a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling NDC, explained, “The Honourable Assembly Members are unable to execute their legislative functions properly, and the sub-committees and general assemblies cannot meet to conduct assembly business.”
While sources close to the governing NDC party have stated that the appointment process for MMDCEs is ongoing, no official announcements have been made yet.
This situation has led to speculation among stakeholders, including local government officials, traditional leaders, and residents in the 42 MMDAs across the Ashanti Region.
Some members of the ruling party have already undergone interviews in various regional capitals and are waiting for their appointments. But, other supporters of the NDC have expressed concerns about the delay, arguing that it negatively affects the operations of the assemblies.
He pointed out that the prolonged delay has resulted in the absence of MMDCEs, who serve as chairpersons of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Security Committees.
Their lack of presence hampers effective coordination among security agencies, as there is no individual in place with the necessary authority to manage these efforts.
He further observed that the absence of MMDCEs could impede the renewal of contracts that may have expired or require termination due to non-performance.
Ashanti Region has 43 MMDCEs and it is only KMA that has its chief executive appointed.
