President John Dramani Mahama has hinted that Ghana may soon transition from appointing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to electing them, as part of a broader constitutional reform agenda aimed at deepening local democracy and accountability.
Addressing MMDCEs at an orientation and training workshop in Accra on Wednesday, 18th June, President Mahama suggested that the current appointees could be the last under the existing system.
His remarks come as part of a renewed push to strengthen democratic governance at the local level and make public officeholders more accountable to their constituents.
Mr Mahama said the National Review Committee on local governance is finalising consultations on proposed constitutional changes, including the introduction of elections for District Chief Executives.
He added that recent public surveys show broad support for the change, suggesting the current MMDCEs may be the last group to be appointed.
“MMDCs, you may be the last batch of MMDCs appointed. The national review committee is going round. I’m sure some of you would have been consulted, and it will present its recommendation in August. And one of the major items that has been canvassed is the election of DCEs. There’s no doubt that Ghanaians want their DCEs elected,” Mr Mahama told the gathering of new MMDCEs.
He also announced that the government has allocated a minimum of GH¢25 million to each district assembly this year through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), calling it the highest disbursement to local governments since the start of the Fourth Republic.
According to Mr Mahama, 80 per cent of the total DACF for 2025 will go directly to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He urged the local authorities to manage the funds responsibly and ensure they reflect the development needs of their communities.
“These resources must reflect the needs of your people. This is not a personal reward; it is a public responsibility,” he stated.
Mr Mahama cautioned that any misuse of the funds will be investigated by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.
He made it clear he would not shield any MMDCE found to have misused public money. He also reminded them to comply with asset declaration requirements by July 15.
He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration intends to pursue sectoral decentralisation, under which responsibilities for education, health, roads and sanitation will be transferred to the MMDAs.
He added that future allocations from the National Health Insurance Scheme, Road Fund and education budget will be linked to local performance.
Mr Mahama encouraged the MMDCEs to work closely with traditional leaders, civil society groups and Members of Parliament to bring visible change to their districts.
