Election of MMDCEs will deepen democracy at the local government level - Hajia Alima

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alimah Mahama has assured increased democracy and accountability with the election of political leaders at the local government.

Hajia Alimah Mahama was speaking at a sensitization workshop on the election processes of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in Sunyani.

According to her, when MMDCEs are chosen by the locals, activities at the local level are regulated and it makes appointees more answerable to the people.

She added that the practice has been adopted by many countries like Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Gambia and considered as “international best practice aimed at deepening local democracy through popular participation in governance.”

Madam Alima noted that allowing citizens to popularly elect their own mayors as well as local chairpersons has been long overdue hence locals should be given the opportunity to elect their own leaders on the ground.

She mentioned that electing MMDCEs will stir up the elected persons to work hard to ensure they meet the needs of the people by getting more involved in developmental projects which forms the basic needs of indigenes.

To the Minister, meeting the aspirations and requirements wins the trust of the people and they will in turn, “win their votes should they stand again in the next election.”

The seminar which came off Wednesday May 30, 2018 was themed: “Electing MMDCEs for improved local Democracy and Good Governance”.