The push for reforming Ghana’s local governance system took center stage at the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC), with speakers debating the merits and drawbacks of electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on partisan lines.
The forum, sponsored by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), explored the theme, “Peace Building, Digital Accountable Democracy, Governance, and Citizen Engagement: Improving Transparency, Efficiency, and Citizen Participation.” Experts dissected Ghana’s current non-partisan model of appointing MMDCEs, calling for a system that fosters accountability and inclusivity.
Diverging Views on Partisan Elections
Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of IDEG, argued that partisan elections for MMDCEs could enhance transparency and attract competent candidates. “After 32 years of the non-partisan approach, it’s time to assess whether it has truly served the needs of the people,” he said. Dr. Akwetey cited international examples from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to support the case for partisan elections, emphasizing the role of competitive politics in strengthening local governance.
However, concerns about potential polarization and electoral conflict were raised. Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Jandoh, a senior lecturer and former head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, acknowledged the benefits of partisan elections but cautioned against the risks of deepening local divisions.
She noted that the District Assembly concept, introduced in 1988 under the PNDC, was designed to promote grassroots democracy and minimize electoral tensions. “While political parties are essential in mobilizing people, we must carefully weigh the implications of shifting from a non-partisan to a partisan system,” she said.
Accountability to the People
Professor Joseph Atsu Aryee, an Independent Scholar, criticized the current system, where MMDCEs are presidential appointees, for fostering loyalty to the president rather than the electorate. “This structure undermines local accountability and often results in disregard for traditional authorities and local concerns,” he remarked.
Prof. Aryee advocated for reforms to empower local communities and ensure that MMDCEs are answerable to the people they serve.
Constitutional and Institutional Considerations
Former Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, Prof. Kofi Quashigah, urged caution in implementing reforms, stressing that any changes must align with the principles of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. He underscored the need for broad consensus to ensure that reforms strengthen democracy without compromising stability.
Bridging the Divide
While opinions on the feasibility of partisan elections for MMDCEs varied, there was a shared consensus on the need for reform. Participants emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders, including political parties, traditional leaders, and civil society, in shaping a governance system that reflects Ghana’s democratic values and local realities.
The debate signals a critical moment for Ghana as it evaluates its local governance structures to ensure they remain fit for purpose in addressing the evolving needs of its citizens.