BY Daniel Bampoe
President John Dramani Mahama has delivered a firm reminder to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to treat their appointments not as political rewards but as solemn responsibilities to the Ghanaian people.
Speaking at a special orientation and training programme in Accra on Wednesday, the President emphasized that their roles were anchored in public service and national renewal—not personal entitlement.
Addressing the newly confirmed local government officials, President Mahama underscored that their selection followed thorough scrutiny under Section 21 of the Local Governance Act, and that each appointment was based on merit amidst a pool of competent candidates.
“This is not a personal reward; it is a public responsibility,” the President stated, adding that the trust placed in them by the appointing authorities must reflect in their commitment to duty, humility, and accountability.
The orientation forms part of Mahama’s broader decentralization and national development agenda, which has seen renewed attention since his return to power in 2025 on a campaign promise to reset Ghana’s governance structures.
His address highlighted the pivotal role MMDCEs play as the frontline implementers of government policy and as direct links between the central government and citizens.
Mahama cautioned that the expectations of Ghanaians—especially after voting for what he described as a “bold reset”—required tangible results and visible progress at the grassroots level.
“The Ghanaian people voted for a bold change and a reset; your actions and results must demonstrate that their trust was not misplaced,” he told the assembly.
In line with his administration’s theme of “national renewal,” the President called for transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness in local administration. He warned against misuse of resources, directing MMDCEs to apply government funds judiciously and transparently, and to ensure that development projects truly reflect the needs of the communities they serve.
The training programme for MMDCEs comes at a time when the Mahama-led government is facing both heightened expectations and scrutiny regarding its decentralisation efforts.
The re-orientation is part of a broader drive to retool public officials and shift the ethos of leadership from patronage to service.
In closing, President Mahama called on the new crop of local leaders to become symbols of a new era in Ghanaian governance—one defined by responsiveness, equity, and ethical leadership.
“Let your tenure leave behind a legacy of public trust and developmental impact,” he urged.
The session marks one of the first major official engagements between the President and the newly appointed MMDCEs since their confirmations earlier this year.
