President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that future Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) may be elected rather than appointed, signaling a major shift in Ghana’s local governance system.
Speaking at an orientation program for current MMDCEs on June 18, President Mahama noted that the current batch of MMDCEs may be the last batch appointed, while those who succeed them might have to go through elections.
According to him, the change is subject to recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee expected in August.
The President noted strong public support for elected local leaders, citing surveys showing Ghanaians’ preference for democratic local governance. “There’s no doubt Ghanaians want their MMDCEs elected. Several surveys have shown that they prefer to have your category of electoral offices elected,” he emphasized.
Mahama also directed all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15, 2025, warning against mismanagement of increased District Assemblies Common Fund allocations. “The Auditor-General will be watching. Don’t expect my intervention if investigations arise,” he cautioned.
The president urged MMDCEs to work with religious groups and civil society to rebuild public trust, stressing that governance legitimacy must be felt in citizens’ daily lives.
Report by Jeannette Adjei Mensah
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