The political landscape of Ghana underwent a significant shift in January 2025, following the December 7 elections, with the directive from President John Dramani Mahama to revoke the appointments of all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). This decision, while anticipated within the political circles, marked a decisive moment in the transition of power, prompting reflection and acceptance among the outgoing appointees. Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, the Dean of MMDCEs, encapsulated this sentiment, acknowledging the inevitability of the directive while also expressing some surprise at its timing. His remarks provided a nuanced perspective on the transition, highlighting the mixture of expectation and suddenness that characterized the situation.
The presidential directive, issued on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, effectively terminated the services of all Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This sweeping decision, communicated through a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, underscored the President’s intent to reshape the local governance structure. The timing of the announcement, shortly after the December elections and Dr. Bawumia’s concession of defeat, added a layer of immediacy to the transition process. This swift action signaled a clear break from the previous administration and paved the way for the incoming government to appoint its own representatives at the local level.
Mr. Amponsah’s response to the directive revealed a sense of pragmatism and understanding of the political realities. He admitted that the timing of the announcement was somewhat unexpected, but emphasized that the outcome itself was not surprising. He noted that after Dr. Bawumia, the vice-presidential candidate of the opposing party, conceded defeat, the MMDCEs had mentally prepared themselves for the eventuality of their dismissal. This preparation, however, did not completely eliminate the element of surprise when the directive was finally issued. His words reflected a common sentiment among the outgoing appointees, who, despite anticipating the change, were still adjusting to the sudden shift in their roles.
The directive from President Mahama represents a standard practice in Ghanaian politics following a change in administration. The appointment of MMDCEs is a political prerogative, allowing the incumbent president to select individuals who align with their vision and policy agenda. These appointees serve as critical links between the central government and local communities, playing a crucial role in implementing government policies and development initiatives at the grassroots level. Therefore, a change in administration often necessitates a corresponding change in the leadership of MMDAs to ensure alignment with the new government’s priorities.
The transition in leadership at the local government level has significant implications for governance and service delivery. The incoming MMDCEs will be tasked with implementing the new government’s policies and programs within their respective jurisdictions. This transition period requires careful management to ensure continuity of essential services and minimize disruption to ongoing projects. The new appointees will need to quickly familiarize themselves with the specific needs and challenges of their communities and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to address them effectively.
Mr. Amponsah’s acceptance of the directive and his acknowledgment of the preparation among the outgoing MMDCEs suggest a relatively smooth transition process. This acceptance underscores the maturity of Ghana’s democratic system, where transitions of power, even at the local level, are generally accepted as part of the political process. While the change in leadership inevitably brings some uncertainty, the outgoing appointees’ understanding of the political dynamics and their willingness to cooperate with the incoming administration contributes to a stable and orderly transition. The focus now shifts to the appointment of new MMDCEs who will carry the mantle of local governance forward, implementing the new government’s vision and working towards the development of their communities. This pivotal moment in local governance sets the stage for a new chapter in Ghana’s political landscape, with the expectation that the incoming leadership will build upon the progress made and address the evolving needs of the citizenry.
