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)