Accra flooding exposes weaknesses in local government system – Policy Analyst

Mr Reindolph Afrifa-Oware, a housing advocate and public policy commentator said the recurring flooding in Accra and parts of the country exposes weaknesses in Ghana's local government system.

He explained that the weaknesses were evident in the inability of some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to respond effectively to the needs of local communities.

“Citizens deserve leaders who are directly accountable to them and whose continued stay in office depends on their performance,” he stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

Mr Afrifa-Oware reiterated the need for the nation to reconsider the proposed election of MMDCEs, arguing that their appointment weakens local governance, reduces accountability, and hinders effective grassroots development.

“If Ghana is genuinely committed to decentralisation, the people must be empowered to elect their own local leaders,” he said.

He noted that electing MMDCEs would compel them to prioritise local development, address pressing community concerns, and deliver measurable results or risk being voted out.

“Ghana continues to lose valuable years under a governance structure that discourages independent-minded and competent citizens from serving at the local level,” he added.

Mr Afrifa-Oware stressed that local assemblies needed bold and independent leaders capable of making difficult decisions in the interest of their communities, rather than politically appointed officials constrained by partisan interests and loyalty.

He said electing MMDCEs would deepen democratic accountability, strengthen citizen participation, improve service delivery, and promote responsive governance at the district level.

Mr Afrifa-Oware therefore urged the Government, Parliament, political parties, and civil society organisations to revive the national discourse on the election of MMDCEs as a key reform under Ghana's decentralisation agenda.

“The time has come to trust the people and Ghana can't continue to postpone this important democratic reform,” he said.

He added that: “We must deepen accountability, empower our communities, and give capable Ghanaians the opportunity to serve their districts based on competence and the confidence of the electorate and not political patronage.”

GNA