Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor has dragged government to court over the continuous stay in office of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) as per an order by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
As per Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution, a Chief Executive shall be appointed by the President for each district with prior approval of not less than two-thirds majority of members of the Assembly.
But upon assumption of office to begin his second term, President Akufo-Addo, in a communique issued by his Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, directed all MMDCEs from his previous tenure to remain at post until new ones are nominated.
It has been almost nine months since the directive was issued with the president yet to nominate MMDCEs.
The South Dayi MP is heading to court to seek interpretation of Article 243(1).
To him, the President “cannot direct, instruct or appoint any person to either act or hold office as a Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive without the prior approval of the Members of the District Assembly to which the said person would be acting or holding office as a Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive”.
He is, therefore, praying the court to give “an order directed to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives continuing in office pursuant to the above-mentioned Presidential directive to vacate office with immediate effect”.
Already, vetting of potential nominees has taken place nationwide with names submitted to the Presidency.
Civil society organisation Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG) is accusing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of employing “unnecessary” and “unproductive” processes in acting on the nominees.
In a statement last month, ChaLoG said the move has “intended” and “unintended” consequences on the smooth administration of the 260 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs).
“ChaLoG wishes to call on the President to urgently come to terms with the negative impact his actions and inactions which has led to the delay in nominating MMDCEs to be confirmed by the Hon Assembly Members, is having on the smooth administration of the MMDAs.”
