MMDCEs must be elected – Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has advocated for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), calling it the ideal time to implement this long-discussed reform.

The proposal for electing MMDCEs has sparked debate in Ghana for years, with supporters arguing that it would enhance accountability and deepen local democracy. However, disagreement over whether these elections should be partisan or non-partisan has stalled progress.

During his vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the significance of adopting a non-partisan approach to MMDCE elections. He believes this would bolster local governance and ensure fair development across the country.

“I do agree that MMDCEs must be elected. But I disagree that it must be done on a partisan basis,” Ibrahim 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.”

He pointed out that the public has already heard both sides of the argument and suggested that the results of recent parliamentary elections indicate widespread support for the non-partisan model.

“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 remarked. “I believe that if there is any time for this reform to happen, it is now.”

Ibrahim’s statement reflects his conviction that now is the right moment for this reform, which has the potential to strengthen Ghana’s local governance system and enhance democratic participation at the grassroots level.

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