Residents of the Oti Region are calling for the inclusion of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) elections in Ghana’s general elections to enhance local governance and accountability.
This call was made during a town forum organized by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) in Dambai, the regional capital.
The forum brought together community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations to discuss governance issues.
Speaking to Adom News, participants argued that electing MMDCEs would improve democracy at the grassroots level by ensuring that local leaders are directly accountable to the people they serve.
They expressed concerns about the current appointment system, which often creates a disconnect between local authorities and the electorate, leading to ineffective governance.
Advocates stressed that giving citizens the power to vote for their local leaders would promote transparency, responsiveness, and greater civic engagement. “Electing MMDCEs would lead to better governance, improved service delivery, and more effective solutions to community challenges,” they said.
The forum also addressed broader issues such as corruption, education, healthcare, and the high cost of political activities, all of which were seen as critical to strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
CDD Programmes Officer Frimpong Oti highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in shaping the future of local governance. “Open dialogue fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among Ghanaians,” he stated, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions to improve governance in the region.