Should MMDCEs Be Elected?

After two decades of uninterrupted multi-party democracy, Ghana has witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the world's most celebrated form of government. Our commitment to decentralisation has won many admirers in the sub-region and our "power to the people" policy is a model for many African countries. However there is one major issue that is a stumbling block to true decentralisation: the appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (the equivalent of Mayor in some jurisdictions) by the president.

Those who are against the appointment of MMDCEs usually argue that not having the power to elect them makes them unaccountable to the people they serve. They posit that it is this lack of accountability that leads people to view Members of Parliament strictly as development agents instead of legislators. Most suggest a non-partisan election of Chief Executives in the same way as Assembly Members are elected. This they believe, will make the Chief Executive more committed to the people s/he serves and not to the ruling party.

On the other hand those in favour of maintaining the status quo often point to the sabotage a Chief Executive with sympathies to the opposition can wrought just to cause disaffection with the government. They argue that an MMDCE appointed by the president will be committed to a development agenda in order to win more sympathy (and votes) for his party. They also argue that a government can deliberately cut funds and other support to a Metropolis, Municipality or District governed by a member of the opposition.

I am a believer in decentralisation but I always take cognizance of the complex nature of our country. Sabotage to cause disaffection with a ruling government in our politics is not beyond the nature of our politicians. I cannot however deny that election is an effective tool for demanding accountability. The decision therefore as to whether they should be elected or not, should be based on a re-evaluation of their role and Ghana's level of maturity in democracy.

Jerome Wematu Kuseh
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