IDEG pushes for NDC, NPP consensus on election of local government executives

Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance, has called upon the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress to reach a consensus on the election of local government executives before pursuing major reforms. The longstanding disagreement between the two primary political factions over whether MMDCEs should be elected on party lines or via non-partisan contests is hindering sustainable decentralization and accountable governance.

This issue was discussed during a two-day Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation dialogue in Accra, which gathered regional ministers, MMDCEs, traditional leaders, local government experts, development partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of decentralization and responsive local governance.

Ghana's efforts to reform local government have faltered due to the failure to achieve political consensus, with the Constitution Review Committee proposing a switch to directly elected MMDCEs while maintaining a non-partisan approach. Dr Akwetey emphasized that the critical challenge lies in bridging the divide between the two major political traditions and finding an agreement on a system that enhances local accountability and development.

He proposed allowing political parties to participate in the election process while ensuring the inclusion of credible independent candidates, if that emerges as the agreed-upon model. Dr Akwetey also stressed the importance of enhancing national support for decentralization and democratic institutions, particularly in addressing the underrepresentation of women, young people, individuals with disabilities, and traditional authorities.

Furthermore, he advocated for increased fiscal decentralization, stronger auditing and financial disclosure mechanisms, and the professionalization of political parties to bolster effective local governance.