Politicking and lobbying delaying MMDCE appointments – Nii Lante Vanderpuye

The Ranking Member on the Local Government Committee of Parliament, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, believes President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is delaying in appointing substantive Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) because of undue pressures put on him by lobbyists.

According to him, there are many people working behind the scenes to get their favourite people appointed instead of qualified persons, hence the delay.

The former deputy Local Government Minister made the assertion on The Big Issue on Saturday.

“The only reason why the president has not been able to make this nomination is the fact that the politicking and lobbying around the thing are just too much for the president,” he stated.

“In Kumasi for example, the Mayor said in view of the politicking ongoing he is no longer interested in the position. Assuming he is competent, he is leaving because of the undue pressure being put on him,” he noted.

The President, in January 2021 after he was sworn in to serve a second presidential term, directed all MMDCEs to remain at post until new ones are appointed.

Many have been expectant of the appointment of the substantive MMDCEs for several weeks now, but that is yet to happen.

Debates have started in the political arena over the delay in the appointment of MMDCEs.

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has dragged the government to court over the continuous stay of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in office eight months after a new administration came into office.

According to him, President Akufo-Addo has no constitutional mandate to direct MMDCEs to remain in office in acting capacity.