President Mahama must cement legacy by ensuring election of MMDCEs – ChaLoG

Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to solidify his legacy in Ghana's local governance system by ensuring that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are elected in the upcoming local government polls.

The group referenced a clear commitment in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto to implement universal adult suffrage in the selection of MMDCEs. According to ChaLoG, delivering on this promise would enhance local governance structures and reduce the perception of political favouritism.

The current practice of appointing MMDCEs has long sparked national debate, with critics arguing that it often rewards political loyalty over competence, undermining decentralisation and merit-based leadership.

Recent developments have brought these tensions to the fore. On April 13, 2025, youth in Tema stormed the Metropolitan Assembly in protest over the rumoured nomination of Ebi Bright as Mayor. Demonstrators, who set tires ablaze, insisted that Patience Ankamah Addo—an indigene they say better represents local interests—should be appointed instead.

“We do not understand because the whole process she was not part, so how come all of a sudden they are bringing her story into the picture. We do not understand, and we are not happy. What the youth of the team is saying is that we want an indigene,” they demanded.

Similar unrest has emerged in Okaikwei North, where NDC-affiliated youth have threatened to withhold their support for the party unless Abdul-Rashid Issah is appointed Municipal Chief Executive. They allege that a candidate from Okaikwei Central is being considered, a move they strongly oppose.

“We cannot support technocrats with no grassroots connection, no sacrifices to show up, and have no base of support to be parachuted into leadership positions, while those who toiled in the trenches are sidelined,” they protested.

In the Talensi Constituency, internal opposition within the NDC is mounting over the nomination of John Millim Naabwomya, who critics claim has links to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Detractors warn that his appointment could cost the NDC significantly in the 2028 elections.

Speaking to Channel One News on Saturday, April 20, Richard Fiadomor, President of the Chamber for Local Governance, condemned the protests and rejected attempts by interest groups to influence appointments through threats or violence.

“For the case of Tema Central, even if she doesn’t go through the process of vetting, the president can still appoint her. The president has not done anything wrong if he goes ahead with her,” he stated.

Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim also urged calm, pointing out that many of the protests are based on unverified claims. He reminded the public that final appointments are the sole prerogative of President Mahama.

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana, echoed calls for reform, stating that the current system of appointment can sometimes prevent capable candidates from serving. He stressed the need for a more democratic approach to ensure fairness and transparency.

ChaLoG reiterated its call for President Mahama to fulfil his party's pledge to introduce elections for MMDCEs, insisting that such a move would be a major milestone in Ghana's decentralisation journey and a significant step toward deepening grassroots democracy.

“It is stated in the NDC manifesto that MMDCEs are going to be elected, so the president should see to it that it happens because that is the only thing that will cure the mischief that we are seeing in the system.”