Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Daniel Kwaku Botwe has rubbished claims that President Akufo-Addo sacked the 24 District Chief Executives because they do not support the Presidential ambition of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
There has been speculation that the former DCEs were kicked out because they may undermine the Veep’s (the ruling New Patriotic Party’s) flagbearer efforts at the local level to win the high-stakes 2024 general election.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Dan Botwe said such allegations have no basis and should be treated with the contempt that they deserve.
”This speculation has no basis at all. Nobody can make this allegation as a statement of fact. The President who has worked with these people knows them very well and knows why he’s kicked them out of office. One cannot say that DCE’s who have been sacked are from areas where Dr. Bawumiah didn’t perform well during the NPP Flagbearer race. This claim is not supported by any statistics or any fact so let’s not make such allegations.”
He added: ”The President at any point in time looks at the team he’s working with and makes changes as when he deems necessary to strengthen his government to enable him to meet the aspirations of the people. That is exactly what he’s done with this reshuffle.”
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, has revoked the appointments of some 24 District Chief Executives (DCEs).
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Local and Decentralisation, the President indicated the 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).