The New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to implement a policy which would see to the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) within 24 months of election in office.

The aim is tie the election of these officials to coincide with the next District Assembly elections in 2019 and further strengthen the sub-structures of MMDAs through capacity building and adequate resource allocation.

The idea is part of the NPP’s prominent manifesto agenda of bringing governance to the doorstep of the people.

“The NPP is committed to bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people. We will focus on effective and efficient decentralization through greater grassroots participation, better planning and improved service delivery in local communities” the party noted in its 2016 manifesto.

The party further identified good governance at the grassroots level as a fundamental requirement for sustainable development.

“The NPP is irrevocably committed to the establishment of solid, efficient machinery for good governance, comprising accountable government and respect for the rule of law and human rights”.

The NPP said it will also deepen political participation by, appointing women to at least 30% of available public office positions and also bring back the People’s Assemblies to encourage citizens to participate in government, and ensuring that citizens and public bodies are fully aware of their respective duties and rights in the delivery of public service.

The idea of electing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) is also high on the agenda of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The President John Dramani Mahama on his recent campaign tour promised to make the position of MMDCEs electable in his second term as part of efforts to deepen decentralization.

“We will also implement the Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendations to have MMDCEs elected… We will promote performance based competition among MMDAs.”