President John Dramani Mahama has directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in regions where he has undertaken the Presidential Accountability Series to organise corresponding accountability engagements within their respective jurisdictions. This move aims to extend the government’s transparency and accountability agenda from national and regional levels to local communities. The directive was issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The MMDA Accountability Series will provide a structured platform for MMDCEs to account to citizens for the implementation of government policies and programmes at the local level through townhall meetings held twice a year. The exercise will serve as a follow-through to the Presidential Accountability Series by translating national-level accountability engagements into direct interactions between local government authorities and residents. This will ensure that citizens are informed and engaged in local governance.
The engagements are expected to cover the performance of each MMDA against its approved Medium-Term Development Plan and Annual Action Plan, implementation of government flagship programmes, utilisation of public resources, and infrastructure and development projects. MMDCEs will also account for sanitation and waste management, education, health, social protection, local economic development, revenue mobilisation, and expenditure management. This comprehensive approach will enable citizens to assess the performance of their local government authorities.
The directive requires each MMDCE to present priorities and commitments for the next implementation period, giving citizens an opportunity to assess both past performance and planned interventions. The engagements must be broad-based and include traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, and civil society organisations. This inclusive approach will ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and informed in the accountability process.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs stressed that adequate opportunity should be provided for members of the public to ask questions and seek clarification on matters relating to the performance and activities of the MMDA. The Regional Coordinating Councils will coordinate and monitor the exercise, ensuring that all eligible MMDAs participate and assessing the quality and inclusiveness of the engagements.
MMDAs have been directed to make appropriate budgetary arrangements within their approved budgets and in accordance with applicable financial management procedures to facilitate the organisation of the engagements. The Ministry will also undertake monitoring visits or participate in selected engagements as part of its oversight responsibilities. This will ensure that the accountability series is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
The directive described the exercise as a “priority accountability and citizen-engagement assignment” and directed MMDCEs to personally lead the process in their respective jurisdictions. The Ministry looks forward to a comprehensive, open, and citizen-centred engagement that will deepen accountability and strengthen public confidence in local governance. The MMDA Accountability Series is expected to commence immediately, with specific dates to be communicated by the Regional Coordinating Councils.
Key points
- President Mahama directs MMDCEs to hold bi-annual accountability series to enhance transparency and accountability at local levels.
- The MMDA Accountability Series will cover performance against Medium-Term Development Plans, implementation of government programmes, and utilisation of public resources.
- The exercise aims to deepen accountability and strengthen public confidence in local governance through citizen-centred engagement.
