Residents of Ghana’s Oti Region are advocating for a significant shift in the country’s governance structure.
They want Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) elections to be included in the country’s general elections, promoting local governance and accountability.
This call to action was made during a town forum organized by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in Dambai, the regional capital.
The forum brought together community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations to discuss governance issues.
Mr. John Benyenase, former Assembly member of Dambai central and other participants argued that electing MMDCEs would improve democracy at the grassroots level, ensuring local leaders are directly accountable to the people they serve.
They expressed concerns about the current appointment system, which often creates a disconnect between local authorities and the electorate, leading to ineffective governance.
Advocates stressed that giving citizens the power to vote for their local leaders would promote transparency, responsiveness, and greater civic engagement.
“Electing MMDCEs would lead to better governance, improved service delivery, and more effective solutions to community challenges,” they added.
The forum also addressed broader issues, such as corruption, education, healthcare, and the cost of political activities, all critical to strengthening Ghana’s democracy. CDD Programmes Officer, Mr. Frimpong Oti emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in shaping the future of local governance.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the call of Oti residents and implement changes to the MMDCE election process.
