Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has alleged that most of the District Chief Executives (DCEs) whose appointments have been revoked by the president campaigned against elected parliamentary candidates in their constituencies.
Speaking on the Joy FM Super Morning Show, Gyampo said his investigation and analysis revealed that their opposition to the elected parliamentary candidates of the party could have been the reason for the annulment of their appointment.
“I see that virtually all of those who have been sacked are people who publicly campaigned against the parliamentary candidates who have been elected on the party’s ticket to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections,” he said.
He surmised that the president might have annulled their appointment to prevent them from sabotaging or undermining the campaign of the candidates in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
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Professor Gyampo believes that although the constitution does not require that the president explain the exercise of this executive power, he could out of courtesy tell Ghanaians the reason behind the revocation of the DCEs’ appointments.
Prof. Gyampo further mentioned that this incident should revive the conversation on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives ( MMDCEs).
In a letter signed on February 2, president Akufo-Addo revoked the appointment of 24 District Chief Executives (DCEs).
The President explained his decision is in accordance with Article 243 (3) b of the Constitution and Section 20 (3) (b) of the Local Government Act, 2014, (Act 936). The constitution mandates the president to appoint MMDCEs with two-thirds approval from the Local Assembly.
The president however does not need the approval of the Local Assembly in revoking MMDCE appointments.
Some stakeholders believe this provision is arbitrary and undemocratic and needs change.
