Elect MMDCEs to strengthen local governance – Dr Ofei-Aboagye

Dr. Esther Ofei-Aboagye, an Engagement Committee Member of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), has joined calls for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). She believes this is the only way for these officials to make independent, critical, and non-partisan decisions on pressing community challenges.

Speaking at the ACRC Cross-Project Learning Workshop in Accra, Dr. Ofei-Aboagye emphasized the need to co-create a new decentralization system relevant to modern democratic institutions. She expressed dismay over persistent flooding and the lack of regard for urban development initiatives, particularly in the capital city. The current situation, she noted, is exacerbated by an "every man for himself" attitude that disregards collective ownership and responsibility, further complicating the work of chief executives whose positions are often precarious.

“

This is the only way they could take independent, critical and non-partisan decisions on challenges confronting their communities.

"But all these must end at a point where the people are sensitized to adopt a different mindset, be each other’s keeper, obey the laws, see themselves as part of the decision-making process and have a hand in the administration of their communities," she stated. Dr. Ofei-Aboagye also called on professionals and technocrats to actively oppose individuals who fill waterways and build on them, thereby preventing continuous violations of building laws and averting disasters.

Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) were urged to lead efforts in building their capacities to tackle challenges, especially encroachment on wetlands. The citizenry was also called upon to take responsibility for the refuse they generate and clear gutters in front of their homes to foster a clean and healthy environment. The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, separately appealed to landowners and developers to cease selling and purchasing land on waterways, warning that they would face legal consequences.

“

But all these must end at a point where the people are sensitised to adopt a different mindset, be each other’s keeper, obey the laws, see themselves as part of the decision-making process and have a hand in the administration of their communities.