Frank Annoh-Dompreh is the Minority Chief Whip
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has proposed a new approach to the local government structure, specifically regarding the election of Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Addressing the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the lawmaker stated that the current approach, where the power to appoint MMDCEs rests solely with the highest authority, in this case the President, who nominates individuals subject to approval by assembly members, is not effective.
According to him, the Constitutional Review Committee should include, among the provisions of the 1992 Constitution that require amendment, changes to the process for nominating MMDCEs, recommending that they be elected by the populace, just as is done with the executive and the legislature.
Annoh-Dompreh, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, asserted that the current method often leads to security concerns and violence, as many of the nominees are ultimately rejected by the local population, a worrying trend that has recently been observed in some district assemblies.
“The confirmation of MMDCEs even though largely have been smooth, there have been a number of violent prone areas and incidents all over the country. Just a simple exercise of going to votes on MMDCEs degenerates and it creates security concerns and that must be dealt with. I think one of the process that can be used is the election of MMDCEs,” he said.
Annoh-Dompreh further indicated that the general election of MMDCEs, as opposed to their nomination by the higher appointing authority, the President, would help reduce the unnecessary tensions that often arise.
He also added that the reported cases of violence, which often occur during the confirmation of MMDCEs by assembly members, would be eliminated if the nomination process were amended in the Constitution to allow for a general election by the people to reflect the true will of the electorate and their preferred choice for local leadership.
“It will also reduce the needless tension between MMDCEs and MPs. Our roles are defined significantly different as we play our roles as a legislative arm of government. They have their roles to play. We are almost at each other’s throats needlessly. There are genuine fears where people make the fears that, ‘if we do it [election], the minority will be controlling certain portions of the country and the country will be divided’.”
He added, “It is neither here nor there because that will reflect the will of the people. If it is the will of the people that certain persons should occupy the MMDCE position, you can’t change it. Why is it that the MPs are elected? We are ex official members of the Assembly. The MPs are elected likewise the assembly members who go to confirm the nominees are also elected.”
MAG/MA
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