Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has urged the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), stating that this is the best time to put the reform into effect.
In Ghana, there has been a long-running discussion about electing MMDCEs. Advocates contend that this would increase accountability and strengthen democracy at the local level.
Disagreements over whether the elections ought to be partisan or non-partisan, however, have impeded advancement.
Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the significance of a nonpartisan approach to MMDCE elections during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, claiming that it would improve local governance and advance equitable development.
“I do agree that MMDCEs must be elected. But I disagree that it must be done on a partisan basis,” he stated. “That is the bone of contention between the two sides of the House. We proposed that MMDCEs be elected on a non-partisan basis, while the other side advocated for a partisan approach.”
“We have 184 members in our caucus, and you have 88. It means Ghanaians overwhelmingly agree with electing MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis,” he said. “I believe that if there is any time for this reform to happen, it is now.”
