Government directs DCEs to remain in office till May 2013

Government has directed that the first batch of District Chief Executives (DCEs) haven been appointed in May 2009 are to remain in office till their tenure of office comes to an end in May.

The directive said after May there would be a general review of the performance of the DCE’s and changes shall be made to that effect.

A statement issued by Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said the position of DCEs unlike the positions of Ministers and Regional Ministers ,and their deputies, are not coterminous with that of the Presidency.

It said under Article 246 (2) of the Constitution and section 20 (5) of the Local Government Act, 1993, Act 462, the term of office of a DCE is four years effective from the date of his or her appointment.

According to the statement, the performance of DCEs are monitored on a continuous basis and whenever it was considered appropriate, the DCE may be removed from office before the end of his or her tenure by the President, acting under powers conferred on him by Article 243 (3) (b) of the Constitution and section 20 (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1963, Act 462.

It said in areas where the DCEs have been elected as Members of Parliament, Caretaker Regional Ministers are required to have oversight responsibilities of the Districts concerned until such time that substantive DCEs are appointed.

Source: GNA