The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), has called on newly appointed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to embrace their roles with purpose, discipline, and a performance-driven mindset, as Ghana embarks on a bold new phase of local governance under the Reset Agenda of the ninth government of the Fourth Republic.

Delivering his welcome address at the official opening of the two-day Orientation and Training Programme at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, for his unwavering commitment to decentralisation and for personally gracing the ceremony despite his demanding schedule.

He further extended profound gratitude to the Vice President, Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and other distinguished dignitaries including the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the Chairman of the Council of State, senior party leadership, and technical experts, for their collective presence, which, he said, speaks volumes of the national importance attached to local leadership.

In acknowledging the processes leading to the confirmation of the new MMDCEs, the Minister noted that approximately 99% of nominees have been duly confirmed, many with overwhelming one-touch endorsements by their assemblies, a clear vote of confidence in their competence and potential. He credited this success to the diligent work of the Vetting Committee, chaired by Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, which ensured the nomination of suitable leaders for local government.

Describing the occasion as historic, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim noted that this is the earliest MMDCE orientation to be organised since the inception of the 1992 Constitution, and that it signifies a deep urgency to hit the ground running. He reminded MMDCEs that the expectations of Ghanaians are exceedingly high following the endorsement of the Reset Agenda in the 2024 elections, and therefore, business-as-usual attitudes must give way to action-oriented leadership.

“Do not be carried away by the titles and perks of the job,” the Minister advised. “Let the celebrations end, and let your real work begin with humility, collaboration, and a deep resolve to serve, not to be served.”

He urged the MMDCEs to become the chief implementers of the President’s vision across all 261 districts of Ghana, translating policy into action, and driving visible, people-centred development in every community. He reminded them that their human relations and capacity to engage meaningfully with citizens will be crucial to their success.

The Minister also elaborated on the theme of the orientation: “Strengthening Local Governance through the Reset Agenda.” He said the theme reflects a strategic commitment to reorient public service delivery, deepen decentralisation, and reassert the values of good governance, responsiveness, and innovation. He encouraged the MMDCEs to avoid becoming “armchair administrators” and instead emulate the President’s example by staying connected with the grassroots.

A key portion of the Minister’s remarks highlighted the unique structure of the Ministry itself, which now brings together Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, three pillars that have long operated independently but are now harmonised to unlock synergy in local governance. He urged the MMDCEs to leverage this ‘tripod’ structure to strengthen accountability, coordination, and inclusive development within their districts.

Touching on the content of the training programme, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim explained that the two-day orientation is not a mere ceremonial formality, but rather a foundational exercise that will equip the MMDCEs with the philosophies, tools, and leadership values required for effective performance. He listed core areas to be covered, including: the development blueprint of the ninth government; the Local Governance Act (Act 936); the 24-Hour Economy and flagship programmes; local security and public accountability; youth empowerment; revenue mobilisation and prudent financial management; and partnerships with traditional, religious and civil society actors.

While acknowledging existing challenges such as weak supervision, staff discipline, and low internally generated funds (IGF) across many MMDAs, the Minister expressed confidence that these can be overcome through renewed energy, innovation, and hands-on leadership. He called for strengthened monitoring and effective performance oversight as tools to drive district transformation.

He ended by charging the MMDCEs to take ownership of flagship programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy Markets, the Clean-Up Ghana Initiative, Blue Water Guards, Adwumawura Programme, and the National Poultry Development Programme. He pledged the continued support of the Ministry, the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS), the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), and Regional Coordinating Councils in providing technical guidance, capacity development, and performance support.

“Together, let us build stronger communities and a better Ghana for all,” the Minister declared, warmly welcoming the MMDCEs into their new leadership journey.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

President John Dramani Mahama has opened the 2025 Orientation and Training Programme for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) with a firm call to duty, charging the new local leaders to embrace integrity, accountability and citizen-centred development as the compass of their tenure.

Addressing the gathering at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra June 18, 2025, President Mahama described the local governance space as the place where government takes human form and public trust is either built or broken. He urged the new MMDCEs to see themselves not as lords over their districts, but as stewards of the people’s aspirations. “Power must never breed pride,” he cautioned. “Let service not status define your tenure.”

The President anchored his message on ethical leadership, placing integrity at the core of the Reset Agenda being championed by his administration. He reminded the MMDCEs that ethical lapses at the local level are more visible and more damaging, as they directly affect the daily lives of citizens. He emphasized that political office must be a platform for service, not an opportunity for entitlement.

In affirming the government's commitment to transparency, President Mahama announced that all MMDCEs must submit their constitutionally mandated asset declarations by July 15, 2025. Describing it as the first test of trust, he explained that this act of accountability is not a bureaucratic exercise but a moral commitment to public integrity. “Declare your assets not because you are compelled, but because you believe in clean leadership,” he charged.

Sanitation also took center stage in the President’s address. He declared that each MMDCE will be personally held accountable for the sanitation situation in their district, stating that a clean environment must be the visible signature of every leader’s tenure. He announced that a dedicated portion of the District Assemblies Common Fund has been earmarked specifically for sanitation initiatives, and revealed plans to introduce a district performance league table to monitor and publish sanitation outcomes across the country. According to him, procurement processes must be transparent and competitive, with sustainable waste management strategies tailored to the needs of each district.

The President further signalled a major policy shift that could redefine Ghana’s local governance architecture. He hinted that Ghana may begin electing MMDCEs from 2026, making this likely the last group to be appointed by the President. This announcement aligns with widespread public demand for more democratic accountability at the local level. He noted that a national committee is currently reviewing proposals to operationalise this change and that recommendations are expected in the coming months.

He urged the MMDCEs to begin cultivating inclusive and participatory leadership styles in anticipation of this reform, emphasising that local democracy requires open governance, community engagement and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

President Mahama concluded his address with a call for proactive development planning rooted in local realities. He encouraged the MMDCEs to actively engage traditional authorities, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations and civil society actors to design and deliver policies that are relevant and impactful. “Do not govern from your office,” he said. “Walk the streets. Listen to the people. Let your plans reflect their voice.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sectoral decentralisation, noting that responsibilities and resources in key areas such as health, education, roads and sanitation will increasingly be transferred to district assemblies. With this shift, he said, comes greater responsibility to plan effectively and deliver measurable results.

The 2025 Orientation Programme, is expected to expose the new MMDCEs to critical knowledge areas including public financial management, code of ethics, decentralised service delivery, and stakeholder coordination.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

The Orientation and Training Programme for newly appointed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) has officially closed with a powerful charge delivered by Hon. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, who represented the Vice President of the Republic, Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, at the ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Hon. Ofosu Ampofo delivered a closing address that struck a firm and forward-looking tone, urging the new cohort of MMDCEs to view their appointments not as political rewards, but as solemn mandates for public service and local transformation.

“You have not been chosen for ceremony,” he said. “You have been called to translate national vision into visible local results.”

He congratulated the MMDCEs on behalf of the Vice President and the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, commending them for successfully going through the nomination and confirmation process. He emphasized that their roles are vital to the implementation of the government’s Reset Agenda, and to delivering on the bold policy commitments outlined in the 2024 People’s Manifesto: “Resetting Ghana ; Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity.”

According to Hon. Ofosu Ampofo, the orientation programme was deliberately structured to go beyond formalities, offering strategic insights into power, governance, influence, and impact. He highlighted that the Vice President considers this moment a key turning point, where theory must give way to ethical, practical, and community-rooted leadership.

Citing the national development priorities, he reiterated the call for MMDCEs to lead the charge in operationalising flagship government programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy, Clean Up Ghana Initiative, Adwumawura, National Apprenticeship Programme, and others, reminding them that these policies are not abstract ideas but tools to bring jobs, accountability, and prosperity to the grassroots.

He acknowledged the structural challenges MMDCEs will face: low internally generated funds (IGFs), weak sub-district structures, sanitation issues, financial infractions, and broader threats such as illegal mining and climate change. However, he stressed that these realities must be met with bold leadership, innovation, and a renewed sense of urgency.

“The challenges are real, but so too is our readiness,” he said. “From today, the celebrations must give way to the work.”

To support this effort, Hon. Ofosu Ampofo, on behalf of the Vice President, announced that government has made historic financial commitments to local development, including an allocation of approximately GHS 25 million per district through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the highest in recent history. He added that new monthly allowances for Assembly Members have also been introduced under Section 16 of the Local Governance Act, aimed at reinforcing community representation and accountability.

“These are not mere handouts. They are statements of intent; deliberate steps to empower you to act,” he affirmed.

He also called on Regional Ministers to apply the provisions of Section 188 of the Local Governance Act to intensify monitoring and evaluation of MMDAs. He stressed that Regional Coordinating Councils must actively support and supervise the performance of district assemblies to ensure efficiency, transparency, and public value.

In alignment with the Vice President’s long-standing advocacy for education, equity, and institutional strengthening, Hon. Ofosu Ampofo announced that the Ministry of Local Government will, in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), roll out targeted capacity-building programmes for MMDCEs to enhance their governance and administrative capabilities on a continuous basis.

He also reminded MMDCEs of their obligation to champion inclusive development. In line with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), he noted that gender-responsive planning is now a statutory and moral imperative. “Inclusivity is not a choice it is a duty,” he declared.

As he brought the programme to a close, Hon. Ofosu Ampofo expressed confidence, on behalf of the Vice President, that the training had sharpened the MMDCEs' understanding and equipped them to lead with courage, clarity, and competence.

“We look forward to seeing your leadership in action, stronger communities, cleaner environments, fairer systems, and a more prosperous Ghana, built from the ground up,” he said.

With these words, and on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic, he formally declared the 2025 Orientation and Training Programme for MMDCEs closed.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)