Government delaying MMDCEs election to favour party loyalists – Prof Gyampo

The Director of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo has cast doubts on government’s willingness to ensure the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives “MMDCEs).

Speaking at a roundtable discussion on the election of MMDCEs in Accra, Professor Gyampo maintained the office of the MMDCEs are used to reward party loyalists and sponsors, hence the dragging of feet and constant postponements.

“Political parties use the current mode of appointing MMDCEs as a mechanism to reward party functionaries and supporters,” he stated.

Professor Ransford Gyampo further stated: “It used to be 2018, now it is after 2019. There is a strong internal opposition by partisan elites to maintain the status quo as a way to consolidate power and influence the President.”

He wondered if a referendum can be held only to determine the direct election of MMDCEs while abandoning other aspects of the 1992 constitution which require review through a referendum as recommended by the constitution review committee in 2011.

However, Local Government Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama justified the postponement of the election of MMDCEs in 2018, insisting that government will not relent in ensuring the election takes place.

Per the roadmap presented by the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry at the roundtable discussion, the election of MMDCE’s will be done by 2021.

The President in the 2018 state of the nation address gave clear instructions adding that it is a step that must be taken; hence a review of article 55 of the 1992 constitution.

The Constitution Review Commission submitted its report in 2011 clearly showing that most Ghanaians wanted MMDCEs elected.

The CDD’s latest Afro barometer report also indicates 69% of Ghanaians want to elect their own MMDCEs.

The New Patriotic Party in its 2016 manifesto had promised to elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives when voted into power.