Ahmed Ibrahim Advocates for Non-Partisan Elections of MMDCEs: “The Time is Now”
The Call for Reform in Local Governance
Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, has renewed the call for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Ahmed described this as the ideal moment to implement this long-debated reform.
The election of MMDCEs has been a topic of discussion in Ghana for years. Proponents believe it would foster accountability, deepen democracy at the grassroots level, and empower local governance. However, disagreements over whether the elections should be partisan or non-partisan have stalled progress.
Advocating for Non-Partisan Elections
Ahmed Ibrahim firmly supports a non-partisan model for electing MMDCEs, asserting that it would strengthen local governance and promote equitable development across all regions.
“I do agree that MMDCEs must be elected. But I disagree that it must be done on a partisan basis,” he emphasized during his vetting. “That is the bone of contention between the two sides of the House. We proposed that MMDCEs be elected on a non-partisan basis, while the other side advocated for a partisan approach.”
Public Support for Non-Partisan Elections
Ahmed pointed out that Ghanaians have already been presented with both sides of the debate and argued that recent parliamentary election results indicate overwhelming support for the non-partisan model.
“We have 184 members in our caucus, and you have 88. It means Ghanaians overwhelmingly agree with electing MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis,” he said. “I believe that if there is any time for this reform to happen, it is now.”
Why Non-Partisan Elections Matter
Advocates of non-partisan elections argue that this approach would depoliticize local governance, enabling MMDCEs to focus on development rather than political affiliations. It would also ensure equitable resource distribution and decision-making that prioritizes community needs over party interests.
Moving Forward with the Reform
Ahmed Ibrahim’s strong stance and growing public support for nonpartisan elections set the stage for meaningful dialogue and action to implement this crucial reform. If successful, the election of MMDCEs could mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey toward more inclusive and accountable governance.