Former NPP MMDCEs from Akufo-Addo era demand terminal benefits

A coalition of 134 former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's NPP administration are requesting the Ministry of Finance for payment of their overdue terminal benefits. These ex-MMDCEs, whose terms were extended until October 2021, claim they have yet to receive the benefits they are entitled to after leaving office.

In a letter to Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, the group explains they were directed to stay on in office at the start of Akufo-Addo's second term to allow for the nomination and approval of new MMDCEs. However, when October 2021 arrived, 134 of these MMDCEs were not reappointed for a second term and thus left office without receiving their terminal benefits.

The petition, led by former Akatsi South MCE Leo-Nelson Adzidogah, notes the former MMDCEs had expected their benefits to be paid along with those of their successors once the second term ended. But it seems their successors received their terminal payments while the petitioners were left out. The ex-MMDCEs say this is unjust, as those reappointed for the second term received benefits for the period between January 2021 and October 2021, which both groups served.

They argue that leaving office before the end of the second term should not disqualify them from receiving benefits for the time they were in office. The coalition views this as an oversight and is urging the Finance Minister to look into the matter and approve the payment of the outstanding benefits. They express hope that the Ministry will positively respond to their request and take necessary steps to resolve the issue.