Local Government Minister Urges Residents In The North To Show Interest In The Election of MMDCEs

The minister of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), Hajia Alima Mahama has urged the people in the northern region to show keen interest in the election of MMDCES as promised by the president Nana Addo.

Addressing stakeholders at a day’s sensitization and awareness raising workshop on the election of MMDCES in Tamale, Hajia Alima said the move when succeeded will enable the officials live up to expectations.

The minister told chiefs, political parties, MMDCEs, coordinating directors and civil society organizations that the election is possible in Ghana as it is happening in some African countries.

The minister pointed out that citizens’ interest is key in the elections of MMDCEs which will go a long way to facilitate the numerous developmental challenges in the communities.

Dr Eric Oduro Sae technical director at the ministry believes electing DCEs will reduce complaints at the public complaints unit because the citizens will direct their concerns to their elected leaders. He also disagreed with suggestions that the local government system is not working. He posited that the system needs to be strengthened because there are challenges.  According to him, there are processes in place with regard to managing the finances of the assembly.

On the impeachment of non-performing MMDCEs, Hajia Alima Mahama said there are laws governing both national and local levels. Impeachment, she explained, is part of democracy which goes beyond the personality. She urged citizens to critically look at their roles.

“The districts are in your hands and you need to take firm decisions when it comes to DCEs’ work,” she reminded assembly members. Allaying fears of power vacuum if the MMDCEs are elected in 2019, she assured that there will be no vacuum in July because current MMDCES will still be at post before the elected ones come in.

The minister could not also understand why TaMA and Sagnarigu assemblies complain of lack of funds when government has ceded property rate tax to them. She entreated assembly members to hold officials accountable. “Improve upon your revenue mobilization,” she urged/

A participant from West Mamprusi, Madam Abudu Lariba pleaded with the local government ministry to ensure that the affirmative action bill is passed into law before the MMDCEs elections. Her fears were that the process may see no woman being elected due to unfavorable political climate women find themselves in.