The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor Kwesi Prempeh, has outlined a set of reforms aimed at restructuring Ghana’s local government system. Central to the proposals are a phased rollout of elected Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and the formal inclusion of traditional leaders in governance. The committee says the reforms are intended to enhance oversight, accountability, and the delivery of local development initiatives.
Addressing President John Mahama at the Jubilee House, Prempeh emphasized the need to extend democratic processes to local communities. “We are advocating that we deepen our democracy by extending it downwards to the local communities,” he said, adding that the reforms are designed to bring governance closer to citizens.
The integration of chiefs into local governance forms a key part of the recommendations. Prempeh explained: “We are proposing that chiefs be integrated into local governance, initially in legislative roles, with a plan for more direct governing roles at the sub-district level.” The committee aims to harness the social legitimacy and influence chiefs hold in their communities, channeling it for constructive governance outcomes.
The report stresses a phased approach to electing district executives. “Some districts are too atomistic to even be viable; we propose a phased-in devolution where districts meeting objective benchmarks can elect mayors first,” He said. The Devolution Commission is expected to oversee the rollout, applying clear and transparent criteria to ensure elections are systematic and equitable.
The proposed changes are expected to redefine how local districts are managed. Clearer roles for elected officials and traditional leaders should improve planning, enhance coordination at the local level, and support community-led initiatives. The reforms also aim to streamline service delivery and improve governance structures across districts.
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Closer engagement between local communities and governance structures could accelerate growth in sectors such as agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, and infrastructure. Stronger local oversight and accountability mechanisms are expected to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and ensure that public resources are more effectively deployed.
The Chairman noted that implementing the reforms requires balancing modern governance systems with traditional authority structures. “The phased rollout of MMDCE elections and the integration of chiefs requires a careful balance between modern governance and traditional structures. Transparency, community engagement, and local capacity building will play a key role in turning these reforms into real benefits for residents and businesses,” he said.
The Constitutional Review Committee believes the reforms will create a more responsive, accountable, and locally driven system of governance. The proposals combine elected leadership with traditional authority to strengthen democratic participation, improve service delivery, and enhance the capacity of local governments to meet the needs of communities across Ghana
