Former Accra Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah has urged for comprehensive reforms to Ghana's local government system. He believes this should happen before the country proceeds with plans to elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). His comments come amid proposals by the Constitutional Review Committee to introduce the election of MMDCEs as part of measures to deepen decentralisation and strengthen local governance.
Mr Sowah questioned whether simply changing the mode of selecting MMDCEs would significantly improve the administration of cities and districts. This is without first addressing the institutional constraints within the local government system. He expressed these concerns on Channel One TV's Face to Face. According to him, the current arrangement limits the ability of local government leaders to exercise meaningful control over key officials within their assemblies.
Mr Sowah argued that elected MMDCEs must have sufficient authority over the administrative structures and personnel required to implement their development plans. Currently, local government leaders have limited control over key officials within their assemblies. For instance, they do not have the power to recruit, hire, or fire staff. Key officials such as city coordinating directors, planning directors, and finance directors are often transferred from other areas.
The former AMA boss advocated for changes to the legal and institutional framework governing local authorities. He believes this is necessary before introducing elections for MMDCEs. Giving elected local government leaders the necessary powers would ensure that those chosen by voters have the authority required to deliver on their mandates. This, he argues, would make the election of MMDCEs more effective.
Mr Sowah's position focuses on institutional reform, administrative control, and the distribution of authority within Ghana's local government structure. He emphasized that the national conversation should go beyond who occupies the MMDCE position. It should examine whether the existing system gives such leaders the tools and authority to perform effectively.
The proposed reforms aim to deepen decentralisation and strengthen local governance. However, Mr Sowah cautioned that electing individuals without reforming the underlying system could leave them unable to deliver on their responsibilities. He stressed that it's not just about the individual in place but also about the system they operate within.
Mr Sowah's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the way forward for Ghana's local government system. His call for reform before electing MMDCEs has highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the existing system. The effectiveness of the proposed elections in improving local governance now remains to be seen.
Key points
- The election of MMDCEs should be preceded by comprehensive reforms to Ghana's local government system.
- The current system limits the ability of local government leaders to exercise control over key officials.
- Elected MMDCEs must have sufficient authority over administrative structures and personnel to implement development plans effectively.
