The intended election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), will somewhat deal with the “winner-takes-all” syndrome, the Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama has said.
Addressing a stakeholder forum in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, she said: “the election of MMDCEs will promote local democracy and the opportunity for the people to choose their own leaders and make MMDCEs more responsive and accountable.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”yi1uav7AsszqdEU3IixEXOrMJ4WOdneI”]”It will also reduce exclusion and winner-takes-all syndrome’ thereby deepening democracy in line with international best practice,” Hajia Alima added.
Elected MMDCEs could also sue the government for late disbursement of statutory funds, she noted.
She hinted that the government is optimistic of electing MMDCEs and Assembly Members between June and July 2021 by amending Article 55(3) through a referendum in September 2019.
Hajia Alima impressed on citizens to turn out massively and vote Yes in the said referendum, which coincides with the upcoming election of assembly members.
“We need at least 75% of Ghanaians voting Yes to amend Article 55 (3) out of 40% valid voters present and voting at the referendum for the election of MMDCEs.”
Upper East Regional Minister, Rockson Bukari, appealed to stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with government at various stages of the process to have MMDCEs elected.
“The people of Ghana have embraced decentralization and the surest way to make our MDAs truly democratic is by having our MMDCEs elected by the masses. This way, downward accountability will be enhanced and ownership of MMDAs guaranteed.”
“However, there is the need for public sensitization and this forum will equip participants and the public about the processes and requirements of getting MMDCEs elected which will calm nerves, anxiety and dispel negative rumours propagated by certain elements.”
The participants at the forum included MMDCEs, Coordinating Directors of MMDAs, representatives of the various political parties, journalists, civil society organisations and traditional leaders.
They also want MMDCE aspirants to have a minimum academic qualification of a degree in any discipline and managerial experience.
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By: Frederick Awuni/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
