By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointments of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDCEs) as well as appointed Assembly Members in a move to reorganise local governance.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. The decision was made in accordance with the provisions of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 940).
The press release stated:“In accordance with the powers vested in John Mahama under the provisions of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) as amended by the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017, (Act 940), the following appointments have been revoked effective today: 1. Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. 2. Assembly Members appointed pursuant to the relevant sections of the Act.
“In the interim, the respective Coordinating Directors of the various MMDAs are directed to assume responsibility as acting Chief Executives until substantive appointments are duly made.”
The revocation of appointments takes effect January 8, 2025 as directed by the President, according to the press statement.
The revocation of appointments also affects Assembly Members appointed under the relevant sections of the Act. According to the release, Coordinating Directors of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will assume responsibility as acting Chief Executives until substantive appointments are made.
This move is likely to have significant implications for local governance. The affected chief executives and assembly members will have to vacate their positions; and new appointments will be made in due course.
The revocation is expected to pave the way for the new government to appoint new leadership at the local level, aligning with its vision for decentralisation and development.
