A research study conducted by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for the depoliticisation of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as a critical step towards improving effectiveness, accountability and public trust in local governance.
The study found that the current system, under which Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are appointed by the President, tends to reinforce upward accountability to central government rather than responsiveness to local communities.
It therefore recommends a transition to a merit-based and competitive selection process for MMDA heads, alongside stricter enforcement of non-partisan principles in local governance.
The findings were presented at a national stakeholder workshop in Tamale to disseminate a report titled “Resetting Ghana’s Local Governance System for Enhanced Effectiveness.”
The workshop, organised by CDD-Ghana with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), brought together policymakers, civil society actors, traditional authorities, technical experts and the media to discuss reforms needed to strengthen Ghana’s decentralisation system.
The study, which covered 24 MMDAs across 12 regions, employed ethnographic methods, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to assess the practical functioning of decentralisation in Ghana.
It identified key structural and institutional challenges, including weak financial autonomy, limited citizen participation and ineffective sub-district structures such as Unit Committees and Area Councils.
Presenting the report, Programmes Manager at CDD-Ghana, Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, said that although Ghana’s local governance system is legally designed to operate on a non-partisan basis, political interference continues to shape decision-making at the district level.
He noted that political considerations influence project prioritisation, resource allocation and the distribution of basic amenities in many districts.
“Despite the non-partisan legal framework, political affiliation plays a significant role in local governance, affecting equity, accountability and service delivery,” he said.
The report also emphasised the need to strengthen the financial autonomy of MMDAs through improved mobilisation of Internally Generated Funds, timely and full disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund, and greater transparency in financial management.
Persis Naamzug Ali Lezuabah of CDD-Ghana said the findings highlight a persistent gap between Ghana’s strong legal framework for decentralisation and its implementation in practice.
“While our decentralisation framework remains robust on paper, growing evidence suggests that its implementation continues to face significant challenges, including political interference, weak accountability systems, limited financial autonomy and low citizen engagement,” she said.
She added that public dissatisfaction with MMDA performance remains high, with many citizens feeling excluded from decision-making processes.
Participants at the workshop also discussed the role of political parties in local governance, highlighting tensions between Members of Parliament and MMDCEs in some districts, as well as concerns over the influence of party politics on administrative functions.
The workshop further explored proposals to strengthen grassroots governance structures by revitalising Unit Committees and Area Councils through dedicated funding and capacity-building.
Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive, Abdul Hafiz Adam, commended CDD-Ghana and its partners for the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for promoting effective local governance.
He emphasised the need to empower traditional authorities to complement government efforts in advancing inclusive development at the local level.
