Local government expert Isaka Amon Kotei has come to the defense of former President John Dramani Mahama amid criticism over the appointment and rejection of some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Speaking on Bryt Adekye Mu Nsem, Kotei dismissed claims that Mahama delayed the appointments, emphasizing that the tenure of MMDCEs is inherently tied to the lifespan of the appointing government. “If there is a change in government, your position as MCE is automatically gone,” he asserted.
Kotei explained that although committees within the districts continue to function in the absence of MMDCEs, their work is ultimately stalled because there is no MCE to chair the executive committee, a key structure in district governance.
He highlighted that every district comprises technical departments, and while the Coordinating Director may temporarily oversee some operations, their authority is limited. “MMDCEs are more than administrators — they are the chairpersons of the executive committees and effectively act as mini-presidents at the local level,” Kotei stated.
He attributed the rejection of some MMDCE nominees not to their competence, but rather to internal party politics, individual interests, and conflicts among local executives. “These rejections are often politically motivated,” he noted.
Touching on the growing call for the election of MMDCEs, Kotei offered a thought-provoking perspective: “Then we must vote on our regional ministers first before voting on MMDCEs, because regional ministers are the direct supervisors of the MMDCEs.”
His comments add a new layer to the national conversation on decentralization, accountability, and the future of local governance in Ghana.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
