By Christopher Arko
Accra, Jan. 16 GNA – Speakers at the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) forum on the Local Government System have expressed support for the election of Metropolitan Municipal District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on partisan lines.
The speakers argued that electing MMDCEs on party political lines would improve transparency and accountability in local governance.
They referenced examples from countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, where local government officials are elected on partisan lines.
The discussion, sponsored by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), was on the topic: “Peace building, digital accountable democracy, governance and citizens engagement: Improving transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation”.
The panel members were Professor Joseph Atsu Aryee, an Independent Scholar, Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Jandoh, Senior Lecturer and former head of the Political Science Department, University of Ghana, Prof. Kofi Quashigah, former Dean at the University of Ghana Law School, and Dr, Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director, IDEG.
Dr. Akwetey reiterated the position of IDEG, advocating for the election of MMDCEs on partisan lines rather than the current non-partisan system promoted by the National Democratic Congress.
He emphasized that the country had adhered to the non-partisan system for 32 years, and it is now time to evaluate whether it had effectively met the needs of the people.
He argued that competitive elections for MMDCEs would bring in competent individuals and ensure accountability in local governance.
Prof. Aryee called for reforms in the current local governance system to promote transparency and responsibility.
While political parties are officially excluded from local governance, he pointed out that they are still involved behind the scenes.
He also noted that because MMDCEs were appointed by the president, they often felt more accountable to him than to the local population, leading to instances of disrespect towards local chiefs and people.
Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Jandoh discussed the origins of the District Assembly concept from the PNDC era in 1988, which was intended to foster grassroots democracy and reduce local conflicts.
She noted that while some have advocated for a non-partisan approach to avoid electoral bitterness and high national election costs, political parties played a crucial role in mobilizing people for elections.
Prof. Kofi Quashigah supported reforms in the local governance system but stressed that any changes should align with the principles and values enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
GNA