DCEs are too arrogant – Minister

The minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Collins Dauda, has expressed grave concern about the growing level of arrogance and intolerance among some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

Speaking at the opening session of the Conference of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in Sunyani on Monday, Alhaji Collins Dauda charged MMDCEs to eschew arrogance by demonstrating modesty and humility in every aspect of their lives.

“Some of you are perceived to be arrogant,” he stated, adding, “The human relationship of some of you are not the best.”

Alhaji Collins Dauda, therefore, admonished them to be disciplined and humble because the President, John Mahama, who appointed them, is known to be a very fine gentleman.

The minister also warned MMDCEs not to engage in corrupt practices because the President has vowed not to shield any of his officers who are involved in any corrupt acts.

He noted that decentralisation and local governance are key in realising the national dream of improving the living conditions of Ghanaians.

According to him, President Mahama, who is also the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on decentralisation, has been very instrumental in the formulation of the numerous reforms in the local governance process of the country.

On election 2016, the minister urged all MMDCEs to work hard and avoid petty squabbles and cooperate with party executives and members to fulfil the government’s developmental agenda to win the confidence of the people, adding, “This is the only way the citizens can consider and [retain] us [in] power.”

The Chairman for the function, Nana Bofo Bene IV, Paramount Chief of Dwenem Traditional Area and Vice President of Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, took a swipe at some MMDCEs whose actions draw unnecessary attacks and insults to the presidency.

The chief charged MMDCEs to be respectful and humble because people judge the government by their actions and inactions as agents of the government.

“You give people the cause to say all manner of things against the president because of your lifestyle.”

Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister Justice Samuel Adjei advised MMDCEs to be tactful, hardworking and sociable, being the conduits of government policies to the people.

“Since you personify the Central Government at the grassroots, you are to live above reproach as your actions are likely to be viewed by the people as coming from the Centre. The portrayal of a good image of the Central Government will very much depend on you,” he added.

The three-day conference which is under the theme, “Re-Energising Local Governance for the Attainment of the Better Ghana Agenda,” provides a common platform for MMDCEs to interact, network and share ideas on key issues of national development within a decentralised governance framework, whilst reflecting on their performance over the previous years.