Majority of Ghanaians Prefer Non-Partisan Elections for MMDCEs – IEA Survey

A recent nationwide survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows overwhelming public backing for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), with most citizens favouring a non-partisan process.

The poll, carried out between August 15 and 26, 2025, across all 16 regions, found that 67.9% of respondents want MMDCEs to be elected rather than appointed. Of this group, 63.5% prefer elections free from political party involvement, reflecting growing concerns about partisan influence in local governance.

The findings come in the wake of renewed debate after former President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his support for non-partisan local elections, a position highlighted in the National Democratic Congress’ 2024 Resetting Ghana Manifesto. Efforts to amend Articles 55(3) and 243(1) of the Constitution in 2019 to allow partisan elections at the local level collapsed after stakeholders failed to reach consensus.

The IEA survey also revealed that 69.6% of respondents are aware that MMDCEs are currently appointed by the President, while 30.4% admitted they do not know how the selection process works—pointing to gaps in civic awareness.

According to the IEA, the strong preference for non-partisan elections indicates low public confidence in political parties’ ability to manage local government effectively.

The report suggests that citizens increasingly demand accountability, transparency, and community-driven governance. Proponents of reform argue that electing MMDCEs would strengthen democratic participation and reduce the over-concentration of power in Accra.

With constitutional reform discussions resurfacing, the IEA findings are likely to add momentum to the push for a more participatory and depoliticised system of local governance in Ghana.