President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that future Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) may no longer be appointed, but rather elected, in line with growing public demand for greater accountability in local governance.
Addressing participants at an orientation and training programme organised for MMDCEs on Wednesday, June 18, the President noted that the current system of appointing MMDCEs could soon be replaced.
“MMDCs, you may be the last batch of MMDCEs appointed,” he hinted.
President Mahama added, “The National Review Committee is going round, I’m sure some
According to him, “Several surveys have shown that they prefer to have your category of political officers elected. So, you may be the last dinosaurs who are appointed. Those who succeed you might have to go through elections.”
The President, therefore, urged the MMDCEs to work with the chiefs and religious bodies in your districts and with civil society to restore the social contract with our people. The legitimacy and authority of the state must be felt not only in law but in the lived experience of our people.”
The debate regarding whether or not MMDCEs should be elected has been raging for a while. Those who agree that it should be elective, also differ on whether it should be partisan or non-partisan.
The revelation by President Mahama answers the question on the elective aspect. What remains now is the partisan or otherwise nature.
