In a shocking development that has shaken the foundations of Ghana’s local governance system, the coalition of NDC Branch Executives in the Greater Accra Region has exposed a deeply troubling pattern of manipulation in the selection process for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The coalition has released leaked documents that they claim reveal the preferred candidates handpicked by powerful party insiders, bypassing the official vetting procedures.
According to the coalition’s sources, the unauthorized shortlists were compiled without the knowledge or input of the regional minister, the party’s regional executives, or the constituents who are supposed to be represented by the MMDCEs. This, they argue, is a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process and impose unelected individuals on the people of Greater Accra.
The leaked documents paint a grim picture, with some of the preferred candidates reportedly having questionable backgrounds, including allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of the necessary qualifications and experience for the positions they are being considered for.
“This is an affront to the very principles of local democracy,” said Animle Oyanka Oshimpa, the leader of the coalition. “The people of Greater Accra deserve leaders who are chosen through a fair and transparent process, not handpicked by a select few within the party.”
The coalition has threatened to release additional evidence, including audio and video recordings, if their concerns are not addressed. They are calling for the immediate suspension of the selection process and the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the allegations.
Political analysts warn that the fallout from this scandal could have far-reaching consequences for the ruling party’s reputation and its prospects in future elections. “If the party is perceived as imposing its own preferred candidates on the people, it could lead to a significant erosion of public trust and confidence in the party’s ability to govern effectively at the local level,” said Dr. Nicholas Kwaku Asante, a prominent expert on local governance.
The pressure is now on the ruling party to respond decisively to the coalition’s allegations and take concrete steps to restore the integrity of the MMDCE selection process. Failure to do so could not only undermine the stability of local governance in the Greater Accra Region but also pose a serious threat to the party’s future electoral fortunes.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the party leadership’s ability to navigate this crisis and reaffirm its commitment to the democratic principles that underpin Ghana’s local governance system.
