MMDCEs may soon be elected – Mahama hints

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) may soon be elected, suggesting that the current cohort could be the last to be appointed.

He announced this during an orientation and training programme for MMDCEs on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The President emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public office while hinting at sweeping constitutional reforms.

“MMDCEs, you may be the last batch of MMDCEs appointed. The National Review committee is going round and will present its recommendations in August this year, and one of the major items that has come up is the election of the MMDCEs. There is no doubt that Ghanaians want the MMDCEs elected. Those who succeed you might have to go through elections,” President Mahama said.

The push for elected local leaders has long been a subject of national debate, with many calling for greater democratic accountability at the district level.

Minister for Local Government Minister, Ahmed Ibrahim, during his vetting agreed to the idea of electing MMDCEs but cautioned against introducing partisan politics into local elections.

He explained that non-partisan elections would promote the independence of MMDCEs, allowing them to focus more on development priorities rather than political affiliations.

Mr. Ibrahim argued that decoupling local government from partisan politics would enhance the effectiveness of MMDCEs and better serve the developmental needs of their communities.