Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Eastern Region have formally signed the 2026 Performance Contract, committing themselves to improved service delivery, accountability and enhanced development outcomes across their respective assemblies.
The signing ceremony, held at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) Conference Hall in Koforidua, brought together MMDCEs, Coordinating Directors and Heads of Departments from across the region.
Speaking at the event, Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described the performance contract as a critical instrument under the Local Government Service’s Performance Management System, designed to drive productivity, strengthen accountability and improve governance at the local level.
She disclosed that the ERCC is determined to improve upon its 5th position in the most recent national performance rankings and is targeting the number one spot in the 2026 assessment, currently held by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.
The Regional Minister noted that the Eastern Region performed creditably in the 2023 Performance Evaluation Report, with Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly emerging first nationally and Atiwa East District Assembly placing second. However, she stressed that the overall regional ranking must improve.
“This year, I have already told my management and staff that we are aiming for the first position,” she stated. “Volta RCC has held that position for some time, but we are determined to beat them this time round.”
She urged all 33 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the region to pay close attention to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined in the 2026 Performance Contract, stressing that excellence at the MMDA level will translate into overall regional success.
The Minister charged first-time MMDCEs to approach the contract with seriousness, collaboration and strong stakeholder engagement, while reminding Coordinating Directors of their leadership responsibility in ensuring effective implementation of the agreed targets.
Emphasising teamwork, staff motivation and adequate resourcing, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey expressed confidence that the Eastern Region can dominate the national rankings if all stakeholders work together.
She concluded by encouraging the MMDCEs and their teams to “hit the ground running” immediately after the signing, with the shared objective of restoring pride and positioning the Eastern Region at the top of national performance assessments.
The signing of the 2026 Performance Contract by the Eastern Region MMDCEs follows the earlier signing by Regional Coordinating Councils in Kumasi on January 27, 2026, officially paving the way for implementation by all MMDAs nationwide.
The Local Government Service’s performance rankings assess the 16 Regional Coordinating Councils and 260 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies based on Annual Performance Evaluation Reports.
Assessment areas for RCCs include general administration, human resource management, financial management and services, while MMDAs are evaluated on general administration, human resource management, financial management, infrastructure, service delivery, economic development, and environmental and sanitation performance.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
