A group of 128 former Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Ghana have petitioned the 2024 Presidential Transition Team, seeking the payment of outstanding end-of-service benefits. Each is reportedly owed approximately GHC 90,000.
A spokesperson for the group highlighted that, despite notifying the Transition Team, there has been no response. The spokesperson also noted that six members have passed away, leaving 128 petitioners. Many of these former officials are currently unemployed, with unsuccessful attempts to rejoin the teaching service. They are appealing to the outgoing government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to settle the arrears and urging the incoming administration led by John Dramani Mahama to address the issue if unresolved.
This situation has been ongoing for several months. In June 2024, the former MMDCEs expressed their frustration over the delayed payments, emphasizing that the government owed each of them over GHC 100,000, including a three-month consolidated salary and an installation grant. They warned that the delay could negatively impact their participation in political campaigns, as they lacked the financial means to support such activities.
The former MMDCEs have also sought intervention from various government officials. In October 2024, they appealed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for assistance in resolving the issue. They emphasized that the delay in payments had caused significant hardships, including the inability to afford basic medical care, which they believe contributed to the premature deaths of some members.
The Transition Team has yet to respond to the petition, leaving the former MMDCEs in a state of uncertainty. They continue to urge both the outgoing and incoming administrations to prioritize the payment of their end-of-service benefits, stressing that the prolonged delay has adversely affected their livelihoods and well-being.