Four years after leaving office, over 130 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who served between 2016 and 2020 are yet to receive their full end-of-service benefits.
The delay has left many of these public servants in difficult circumstances, prompting calls for immediate government intervention to resolve the issue.
The former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi South and convener of the group of affected MMDCEs, Mr. Leo Nelson Adzidogah, expressed frustration over the long wait and urged the incoming administration to take the necessary steps in addressing the issue.
According to Mr. Adzidogah, the delay has severely impacted the former appointees. He indicated that they were 134, out of which 6 of them died leaving 128. He lamented;
“We are unemployed. And those who asked for clearance to be integrated back into the teaching service could not have this opportunity,” he lamented. He added that all of them have gone on early retirement.
He further noted that one member of their group has since passed away, underscoring the urgency of addressing the situation.
In a plea to the government, Mr. Adzidogah recounted the steps taken by the group to seek redress in 2021. He highlighted;
“When the transition team was inaugurated, we wrote to the team reminding the government about the outstanding benefit and also drawing the attention of the new government to the existence of this outstanding arears. So far, we have not heard anything from the team.’’
Mr. Leo Nelson Adzidogah former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi South
Despite their appeals, the group has received no concrete feedback or commitment from the government.
The former DCE emphasized how the prevailing economic situation has exacerbated their plight, stating;
“ Our prayers are that our government should at least do well to clear this for us. If you look at the macroeconomic indicators in 2021 as against this time, you can see that the cost of everything is going up.”
Mr. Leo Nelson Adzidogah former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi South
He added that delays in payment could further erode the value of the benefits due to inflation and rising living costs.
Mr. Adzidogah highlighted a precedent set by the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, which paid similar benefits to appointees of the previous government in 2017. He urged the incoming government to follow this example and ensure the ”timely” settlement of these arrears. He emphasized;
“In the event it is not paid by this government, we are pleading with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to look at this for us.’’
Mr. Leo Nelson Adzidogah former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi South
Uncertainty of Final Amounts
While the group has estimated their dues at GHS90,000 per person, Mr. Adzidogah acknowledged that the final amounts may differ depending on the government. He noted;
“Just as I said, that is our conjecture. It may go up, it may be low. The result may decrease or increase depending on the formula they use. Because at times, tax discrepancies also cause decreases or increases.’’
Mr. Leo Nelson Adzidogah former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi South
The plight of the former MMDCEs highlights the broader challenges of fulfilling financial commitments to public servants after their tenure.
As these individuals continue to struggle with unemployment and financial instability, their call for action serves as a reminder of the need for a fair and timely resolution to such issues.
The government now faces mounting pressure to honor its obligations and restore the dignity of those who once served the nation.
READ ALSO; Ruger Lives Out Childhood Dream at Rapperholic2024 Concert
