Rethink MMDCE elections – Dr Tando proposes MP-led appointment model

Governance expert Dr Solahudeen Tando has suggested a radical shift in Ghana's approach to electing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Rather than holding separate elections, Dr Tando proposes that Members of Parliament (MPs) should be tasked with appointing MMDCEs based on a professional framework. This model would involve MPs as development representatives within a defined framework, with clear qualifications and accountability measures.

Dr Tando presented his ideas at a National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance in Accra, where he aimed to reframe the debate on decentralisation in Ghana. The discussion focused on whether the existing election system adequately addresses the challenges in local governance. Dr Tando questioned the necessity of another MMDCE election, pointing out that MPs already engage with local development issues in their constituencies.

He noted that constituents hold MPs accountable for development outcomes, despite their primary role being legislative. Ghana's 2026 Position Paper on constitutional reform already acknowledges MPs' role as default development agents in their constituencies. This proposed system would move appointment authority away from the President and closer to MPs, who would be subject to professional safeguards.

The Public Services Commission would define qualifications, while the MMDCE's role would align with the district's development framework. Dr Tando emphasized that effective decentralisation requires addressing authority, capacity, resources, planning, coordination, and accountability, not just the method of acquiring political legitimacy.

He also suggested a broader redefinition of District Assemblies as platforms that integrate the fragmented state into delivering local public services effectively. While this proposal requires further scrutiny, Dr Tando believes it could provide a more coherent and accountable decentralisation model.