Cabinet Approves Bill for Election of MMDCEs
Government moves to end presidential appointment of MMDCEs as part of sweeping decentralisation reforms aimed at deepening democracy, enhancing accountability and improving local governance.
- Cabinet approves reforms to elect MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis
- New Local Governance Bill expected in Parliament before the end of 2026
- District Assemblies Common Fund allocation proposed to increase from 5% to 7.5%
Cabinet has approved a major package of decentralisation reforms that will pave the way for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), replacing the current system of presidential appointments.
The reforms, captured in the new National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026–2030), also include a review of the Local Governance Act, stronger accountability measures for local authorities, and increased financial support for district assemblies.
The Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia, disclosed that the proposed reforms are intended to deepen democratic governance, strengthen citizen participation, and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Under the proposals, Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution will be amended to allow district chief executives to be elected directly by citizens on a non-partisan basis. If approved, the current batch of MMDCEs appointed by President John Dramani Mahama could be the last to serve under the existing constitutional arrangement.
Dr. Hoedoafia explained that nationwide consultations revealed strong public support for electing MMDCEs, provided local government elections remain free from partisan political influence. Activities relating to constitutional amendments and a referendum are expected to take place between 2027 and 2029.
As part of the reforms, the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), is being reviewed, with a new Local Governance Bill expected to be laid before Parliament before the end of 2026. The government anticipates the new law could be passed by the first quarter of 2027.
The proposed legislation will also introduce integrated planning functions at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) level, bringing spatial and development planning under a single framework to improve efficiency, land-use management and service delivery.
Additionally, a new local accountability platform, similar to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, will be established to ensure MMDCEs and other local officials account for the use of public resources. The reforms will also tighten criteria for appointing government nominees to district assemblies, prioritising technical expertise over political patronage.
To strengthen local governance financing, the policy proposes increasing the constitutional minimum allocation to the District Assemblies Common Fund from five per cent to 7.5 per cent, providing assemblies with greater resources to support local development initiatives.
