Member of Parliament for Asunafo North, Hon. Haruna Mohammed, has declared strong support for President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed push to elect Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), describing it as “a democratic necessity” that must be urgently implemented to reflect true grassroots participation in governance.
In a statement endorsing the proposed reform, Hon. Haruna Mohammed emphasized the time has come for Ghana to move beyond the current “top-down” appointment system for local government leaders –“where appointees, though well-meaning, often lack a direct mandate from the people.”
“As a Member of Parliament, I stand firmly with H.E. John Dramani Mahama on the urgent need to transition from the current system of appointing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to one where they are elected by the very people they serve”
Hon. Haruna Mohamammed, MP For Asunafo North
He argued that the persistent lack of direct electoral mandate for MMDCEs contributed to a growing disconnect between local authorities and the people they serve. According to the Asunafo North legislator, the current system fosters apathy and limits citizen involvement in local government.
He questioned how effective accountability can be achieved when district leaders are not chosen by the people, and stressed that without citizen input, “public ownership of development agendas remains weak.”
Hon. Haruna Mohammed’s comments echoed sentiments previously expressed by President Mahama, who has made the call for elected MMDCEs a key plank in his governance reform agenda.
“The President has rightly identified that Ghanaians are demanding more power in local governance. The nationwide consultations by the Constitution Review Committee have made it clear: the people want a say.
“And we, as leaders who believe in participatory democracy, must not ignore this call”
Hon. Haruna Mohammed, MP for Asunafo North
He argued that electing MMDCEs would significantly enhance democratic accountability and give local leaders the legitimacy and public backing required to drive change. He also noted that such a reform would reduce excessive partisanship at the local level.
“When the people, not party headquarters, decide who leads their district, our communities will begin to choose based on competence, track record, and commitment to development, not just political connections”
Hon. Haruna Mohammed, MP for Asunafo North
Hon Haruna Mohammed called on all stakeholders – including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the general public – to support the move towards electing MMDCEs.
He stressed that real democratic reform must be rooted in people’s power, and that the upcoming report from the Constitution Review Committee offers a critical opportunity to shape the future of local governance in Ghana.
“Electing MMDCEs is not just an idea; it is the future of effective, accountable, and people-centered local governance in Ghana,” he concluded.
The Constitution Review Committee is expected to submit its final report in August 2025. Stakeholders across Ghana are closely watching the process, which could mark a transformative moment in the country’s democratic evolution under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
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