A new study by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development has renewed debate over the future of local governance, with researchers arguing that electing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives could significantly improve accountability and service delivery.
The study, titled “Resetting Ghana’s Local Governance System for Enhanced Effectiveness,” found strong public support for electing MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis rather than maintaining the current system of presidential appointments.
According to Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, the present arrangement makes many MMDCEs more accountable to central government than to the local communities they serve.
He said findings from the research were consistent with earlier recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by H. Kwasi Prempeh, which also supported the election of MMDCEs through a phased process.
Beyond the issue of elections, the study identified weak financing as one of the biggest obstacles to effective local governance.
Researchers proposed increasing the District Assemblies Common Fund from five per cent to at least 10 per cent and allowing assemblies more freedom to spend funds based on local priorities.
The study also called for assemblies to be given full control over staffing so they can recruit and manage their own personnel more effectively.
Another major concern raised was the weak performance of sub-district structures such as area councils and unit committees, which the study said require better training, logistics and integration into the governance system.
The report further noted that many accountability mechanisms required under the Local Governance Act 2016, including town hall meetings and complaints committees, remain inactive in several districts.
Researchers say strengthening citizen engagement and improving access to information will be essential to rebuilding public trust and making local governance more effective.
