We support election of MMDCEs

Election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on partisan lines in Ghana is an ongoing debate.

Most Ghanaians want a voice in people who serve as their MMDCEs, Afrobarometer surveys have revealed.

Empirical evidence shows that support for elected rather than appointed MMDCEs is strong across the regions, demographic groups and major political parties.

Various surveys conducted have consistently revealed that the majority of Ghanaians believe that MMDCEs should be elected by voters, rather than being appointed by the President.

This suggests that many Ghanaians value the principle of democratic participation and accountability in local governance.

Some governance experts at this year’s Annual New Year School have contended that the election of the MMDCEs by the citizenry on political party lines would ensure inclusive development and improve public services at the local assemblies.

They further cited examples from other jurisdictions such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany, where local authorities are elected by the people on a partisan basis that has enhanced good governance at the local level, to buttress their point.

Ghana has had its fair share of back and forth between the two major political parties on the issue. A referendum to amend Article 55 (3) of the 1992 Constitution to pave the way for the election of MMDCEs in 2019 suffered a setback because of the lack of consensus from the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The NPP wanted political party-sponsored candidates to contest the election of the MMDCEs while the NDC wanted the election to be held devoid of partisan politics.

The main argument in favour of electing MMDCEs on partisan lines is that it allows citizens to have a say in who leads their local government.

The Daily Graphic is of the firm belief that electing MMDCEs on partisan lines can also help promote accountability and responsiveness to local needs.

When they are elected, they are more likely to be accountable to the local people who voted for them, rather than just being accountable to the President who appointed them.

Furthermore, electing MMDCEs on partisan lines can help reduce the influence of the government on local governance.

When they are appointed by the President, they may be more beholden to the government than to the local people they serve.

By electing MMDCEs, local people can ensure that their leaders are more responsive to their needs and concerns.

Additionally, electing MMDCEs on partisan lines can help to promote transparency and good governance at the local level.

When they are elected, they are more likely to be transparent in their decision-making and to be accountable for their actions.

This can help to reduce corruption and improve the overall quality of local governance.

Electing MMDCEs on partisan lines can help strengthen local political parties and promote democratic participation at the grass-roots level.

When local people elect their leaders, they are more likely to be engaged in the political process and to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their local governments.

However, it is worth mentioning that the election of MMDCEs on partisan lines is not without its challenges.

For instance, it may lead to increased partisanship and polarisation in local governance, which can hinder the ability of local governments to work effectively.

In terms of the process, the previous government and the NDC agreed that the election should be on a partisan basis, but this requires a referendum with an overwhelming majority of voters approving it.

For the past 32 years, the country has practised the current local governance system and it was time to shift the focus to electing MMDCEs to make it more responsive and effective to the development needs of the people.

Electing MMDCEs on partisan lines can be a crucial step towards promoting democratic participation, accountability and good governance at the local level in the country.

While there may be challenges associated with this approach, the benefits far outweigh the costs. It is time for Ghana to take this important step towards deepening its democracy and promoting more responsive and accountable local governance.