New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo has reiterated his commitment to ensure the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives if elected President after the November polls.
Nana Addo said it’s about time MMDCEs become accountable to the people hence must be elected by Ghanaians.
Addressing a business forum in the UK, Nana Addo explained that the phase of local governance must change in the country.
[contextly_sidebar id=”1DAfWTMC7xTA8KJGDMlWJRj1FdzSr6fv”]“The time has come to bring accountability to local government through competitive politics. Election of DCEs at the local level can no longer be delayed. This is going to give a great boost to local initiatives and local self-reliance.”
Nana also used the opportunity to highlight the NPPs vision for Ghana.
On corruption, Nana Addo said he would appoint “an Independent Special Prosecutor with a legislative mandate to deal with corruption, who will be appointed and empowered to tackle corruption.”
Critics have insisted that MMDCEs must be elected to make them accountable to the people.
Currently the president nominates a candidate who would have to secure the approval of two thirds of assembly members to be confirmed.
Elected MMDCEs will sabotage govt
But a local government expert, Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, had downplayed such calls saying it will further deepen disunity at the grassroots.
He believes that electing the MMDCEs will be detrimental to the development of the country.
“Since those DCEs would like to unseat the government for their party to come to power, it will be difficult for any partisan government to implement its programs through hostile DCEs,” Prof Ahwoi warned.
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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin