Ghana's decentralisation system is built on a 1992 constitutional framework and a 2016 Local Governance Act. The system comprises a three-tier structure: central government, Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). MMDAs are the core local authorities responsible for planning, local services, and development within their jurisdictions. With over GH¢7 billion disbursed through the District Assemblies Common Fund, the system has achieved real results in supporting local development.
The central government retains responsibility for national policy, macroeconomic management, and revenue collection. RCCs, chaired by Regional Ministers appointed by the President, monitor and evaluate the performance of District Assemblies. However, RCCs have limited authority, and their deliberations carry little weight against presidential authority. MMDAs, on the other hand, are the only planning authorities within their jurisdictions, and any agency operating locally must engage with them in planning and executing development programmes.
There are three categories of MMDAs: District Assemblies for areas with populations of 75,000 and above, Municipal Assemblies for compact settlements with populations of 95,000 and above, and Metropolitan Assemblies for the largest urban areas. Sub-district structures, including Sub-Metropolitan District Councils and Urban, Zonal and Town Councils, are meant to bring governance closer to communities. However, their operationalisation has been uneven, with significant regional differences and many operating from temporary office accommodation.
The composition of an MMDA reflects a balance between elected local representation and central government influence. 70% of assembly members are elected on a non-partisan basis, while 30% are appointed by the President in consultation with traditional authorities and interest groups. Members of Parliament attend meetings but do not vote. The Assembly is presided over by a Presiding Member elected by two-thirds of members, and the executive and administrative functions are performed by the Executive Committee, chaired by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCE).
The MMDCE is a key figure in the system, but their appointment and tenure depend on the President. MMDCEs are appointed by the President with the prior approval of not less than two-thirds of Assembly members, but are not elected by the people. This arrangement has led to concerns that MMDCE appointments have become a way to reward local party loyalists, excluding opposition supporters from local patronage.
Ghana's assemblies have three main funding streams: the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Internally Generated Funds (IGF), and District Development Fund (DDF). The DACF is the most significant, with Article 252 of the Constitution requiring that not less than 5% of national revenue be transferred to local assemblies for development. In 2025, over GH¢7 billion had been disbursed through the DACF, with at least 80% being released directly to assemblies.
Despite the progress made, Ghana's decentralisation system still faces challenges. Power remains concentrated in Accra, frustrating local leaders and citizens. The Local Government Minister has reminded assemblies that the DACF "does not replace their own internally generated funds," emphasizing the need for assemblies to generate their own revenue. Understanding how the system works and where it falls short is essential for anyone who wants to know how decisions that affect their daily life are actually made.
Key points
- Ghana's decentralisation system has achieved real results, with over GH¢7 billion disbursed through the District Assemblies Common Fund to support local development.
- Power remains concentrated in Accra, frustrating local leaders and citizens.
- MMDCE appointments have become a way to reward local party loyalists, excluding opposition supporters from local patronage.
