Future MMDCEs likely to be elected, current appointees could be last –Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that future Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) may no longer be appointed, but rather elected, in line with growing public demand for greater accountability in local governance.

Addressing participants at an orientation and training programme organised for MMDCEs on Wednesday, June 18, the President noted that the current system of appointing MMDCEs could soon be replaced, depending on the outcome of the work of the Constitution Review Committee.

According to him, one of the key recommendations emerging from the Committee’s nationwide consultations is the introduction of elections for MMDCEs. He said the Committee is expected to present its final report in August 2025.

“MMDCEs, you may be the last batch of MMDCEs appointed. The National Review committee is going round and will present its recommendation in August this year, and one of the major items that has come up is the election of the MMDCEs. There is no doubt that Ghanaians want the MMDCEs elected. Those who succeed you might have to go through elections,” he stated.

He further encouraged the MMDCEs to collaborate with traditional leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations to rebuild trust between the government and the citizens at the grassroots level.

“I therefore urge you to work with the chiefs and the religious bodies in the district and civil society to restore the social contracts with our people. The legitimacy and authority of the state must be found not only in law but in the experience of our people,” he said.