Unlike President Akufo-Addo’s first term in office, the appointment of MMDCE’s was made shortly after he assumed office, making him one of the Presidents to do so in the 4th Republic.
But his second term has witnessed a delay in the appointment of these MMDCEs which has led to political actors and other stakeholders indicating that the delay is bringing to a halt, developmental projects at the district level.
Who are MMDCE’s?
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, MMDCEs, are very important officials in the Ghanaian governance decentralisation and local governance establishment.
The functions of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives are given under Article 243 of the Constitution and Section 20 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 — Act 936.
- They preside at meetings of the Executive Committee of the Assembly
- Is responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the District
- Does supervision of Departments in the Assembly.
- Is the chief representative of the Central Government in the District.
Why the delay?
Following the expiration of the tenure of the Chief Executives of the 216 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and impending appointments by the President to replace them, hundreds of interested persons applied to take up the positions.
But Akufo Addo says there the need for broader consultations is the reason for the delay, so the right persons can be selected.
“There is the need for broad consultations, and that is what I have done. We have set up committees at the regional and national levels to make recommendations for me.” The president said in an interview with Skyypower FM in Takoradi as part of his tour of the Western Region.
He added that “I have to really make sure the recommendations fit the political purposes of the government and respond to issues of competence, political suitability and all of these things.”
Already, President Akufo Addo has rejected claims that the delay in appointing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) is hampering development at the local government level.
According to him, “Currently, there is no vacuum at the various districts, metropolitan areas and municipalities because the old MMDCEs are still in office on a day-to-day basis going about their respective duties.”
Promise To Release List of MMDCE’s This Month
Meanwhile, President Akufo Addo has assured that the list of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will be released this month.
“This month of September, all these matters will be resolved… in the course of this month, it will be done,” President Akufo-Addo said in response to a question on the matter in an interview with Skyypower FM in Takoradi as part of his tour of the Western Region.
He said the necessary consultations were ongoing to pick the right persons for the assemblies.
Government Dragged To Court
In January, President Akufo-Addo directed all MMDCEs to remain at post until new ones are appointed.
This prompted a legal challenge.
The South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, dragged the government to court over the continuous stay of MMDCEs in office eight months after a new administration came into office.
According to him, President Akufo-Addo has no constitutional mandate to direct MMDCEs to remain in office in an acting capacity.
He also wants the court to order the acting MMDCEs to immediately vacate their post.