The former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Abuakwa North Municipality, Alhaji Omar Babs Bodinga, has proposed that the selection of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) should be determined through general elections rather than appointments.
He believes that allowing the public to vote for these key officials would promote accountability and enhance democratic governance at the local level.
Speakingin an interview with Kwamina Sam Biney on Bryt Adekyee mu Nsem , Alhaji Bodinga argued that the current practice of appointing MMDCEs often leads to political favoritism and undermines the autonomy of local governance structures. According to him, a voting system would enable citizens to actively participate in choosing leaders who align with their needs and priorities, thereby fostering trust and collaboration between communities and their representatives.
“The role of MMDCEs is critical to the development of our local areas. Allowing the people to elect their own leaders will ensure greater transparency and reduce the undue influence of political parties in local governance,” he stated.
Alhaji Bodinga’s suggestion aligns with ongoing calls from various stakeholders advocating for reforms in Ghana’s local government system. While some have supported the idea, others have raised concerns about the potential politicization of local government and the financial implications of conducting such elections.
Nonetheless, the former MCE emphasized the importance of prioritizing democracy and citizen engagement in shaping the nation’s development agenda. He called on the government and relevant stakeholders to consider the proposal as part of efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
