Local governance expert, Issaka Amon-Kotei, has explained that the government has delayed in appointing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) because of the non-availability of funds for projects.
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He notes that the country’s economy is in a dire situation such that every project carried out by the government must be supported by loans rather than internally generated revenue.
In an interview with Happy FM’s Don Prah on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show, he shared that appointing MMDCEs without money to support projects will be a waste of time for the appointees.
“I don’t know where we are heading in that direction but we must know that our financial issues are not as smooth as we may see it. So, we have to be very tactful in managing some of these things. Every government must operate within its revenue. But Ghana has surpassed operations within its revenue. Now if we want to embark on any project, it must be supported with loans. If that is the situation, where are you rushing to go get board members and the rest? What are they coming to do?”, he stated.
He argued that the government will have no problem paying the salaries of MMDCEs. However, “the reality is about the non-availability of funds for projects”.
In January this year, President Nana Akufo-Addo directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to remain at post until new ones are appointed.
In a communiqué signed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare, the MMDCEs were warned against taking any policy-related decisions.
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“You are to take note of the provision of section 14 (5) of the Presidential (Transition) Act (2012) which states that you shall not make a decision involving a policy issue,” the notice said.
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The notice from the Chief of Staff also made reference to prior directives on financial commitments and recruitment.
Seven months down the line, new MMDCEs are yet to be appointed.