IDEG holds forum on election of MMDCEs

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has held a stakeholders’ forum in Tamale, on the need for the political parties to participate in local governance to promote accountability to the people.

The forum, attended by stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, was to solicit the views of participants on the President’s resolved to make the position of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) contestable as well as build support for IDEG’s advocacy for a proposed Local Governance Reform.

It was on the theme: “Participation of Political Parties in Local Governance – A Citizens’ Education and Community Empowerment”.

Mr Kofi Awity, Director of Operations at IDEG, who spoke at the forum, emphasized the need for the transformation of the local government system to allow for the participation of citizens in the election of MMDCEs at the local level.

Mr Awity argued that this would ensure the election of competent people to promote accountability, efficiency and effective development.

Naa Yakubu Abdulai, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area, described as laudable the idea to allow people to directly elect MMDCEs but called for a critical study of the procedure to help to further deepen decentralization in the country.

Kansawurche Veronica Azara Bukari, President of Association of Queen-mothers and Women Chiefs, Northern Region branch, called for proper education and support towards women empowerment to encourage them to contest national elections.

Source: GNA