ELECTION OF MMDCES IN GHANA! A REFLECTION OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTHUSIAST

The quest to deepen citizen participation in local level development has led to considerable reforms in the Local Governance and Decentralization structure particularly under the fourth republican constitution of Ghana. Considering the four arms of decentralization in Ghana, i.e. Administrative, Political, Decentralized Development Planning and Fiscal decentralization, a relatively significant improvement has been made in an effort to deepen decentralization in all these four arms. In spite of these reforms, there is still a myriad of bottlenecks facing the actual realization of the objectives of decentralization in Ghana. One significant reform that is being championed in reference to the political arm is to make the position of MMDCEs an elective one.  

Undoubtedly, the leadership of the two major political parties in Ghana seem to have agreed to charter a new path in our local governance system that is make the position of Chief Executives of the Local Assemblies an elective one. The point of divergence among the NDC and NPP is whether the election should be held on political partisan basis or not. Both political parties have advanced their arguments and stance on this subject. Having followed keenly submissions and reasons for the call to make the position of Chief Executives of Local Assemblies elective, three cardinal   points and arguments have been advanced by proponents and advocates of this school of thought. They are; A step to deepen social accountability and hold MMDCEs accountable by their electorates, an opportunity to increase citizen participation in community development and to give meaning to the popular phrase in Decentralization i.e. “Power to the people”.

As a student and enthusiast of local governance and decentralization in Ghana, the simplest form of definition I would give to the concept is to reiterate the famous words used by Jerry John Rawlings in the late 80s during the PNDC era, “POWER TO THE PEOPLE”. These words when soberly reflected on explains the letter and spirit of the concept of decentralization and local Governance.  For advocates of the election of MMDCES, making the position elective will further actualize the power of the people to vote for their preferred choice of candidates on who to lead and serve them as Chief Executive of the Local Assemblies and with same power, they can either maintain or change the person based on competence and performance in subsequent election.

In as much as I appreciate the views expressed on the above subject in making the position of MMDCES an elective one, I would want to advance my arguments on why in my humble opinion, I still hold the view that, the position of MMDCEs should still be by appointment based on the current political dynamics of the country. 

One dominant feature that has characterized elections in Ghana is needless personality attacks, family denigration of candidates, unsubstantiated allegation and insults. The sad reality is that, these are even common in internal party elections.  For this reason, many well- meaning Ghanaians have stayed off from offering themselves for an elective political office in order to keep their reputation and protect their families from these needless attacks. It is commonly said that, “if you want to know your family history and creditors of your grand-parents, attempt to contest an election in Ghana”.  Making the position of Chief Executives of Local Government elective will clearly result in a situation whereby persons who would want to keep their reputation and prevent their families from being denigrated due to the obvious characteristics of elections in Ghana shy away from active local level politics. The current practice provides an opportunity for such qualified and competent persons to be given the opportunity to be appointed and either confirmed or rejected by only Assembly Members without these brouhaha that characterizes elections in Ghana.  

Monetization is a key feature of elections in Ghana. Averagely, the cost of elections for an aspiring Member of Parliament was estimated at 85,000 dollars (approximately 500,000ghc) in the 2016 elections of Ghana (see, Asante and Kunnath, 2018). Making the position of MMDCEs elective will equally suggest that, individuals who are willing and capable to serve as MMDCEs without such an amount of money may not be able to have the opportunity due to increasing monetization in elections in Ghana. Undeniably, there are many well celebrated political actors who have risen through the political hierarchy by starting off with appointment as Chief Executives of Assemblies. The state probably would have lost these caliber of human resources if the position was elective. An elective position at the local level will lead to a phenomenon where popularity, the rich and majority group will take the center stage of local governance.

Political polarization has manifested in our democracy inferring from the 1992 elections up to date. Some regions have clearly demonstrated their undying love and support for certain political ideologies.  In spite of the fact that, individuals belonging to one political party have served as Members of Parliament since 1992, in some constituencies,  other citizens with varied political ideology have had the opportunity to serve as MMDCEs in such local Assemblies in contributing to local level development. Making the position of Chief Executive of the Assembly elective will lead to a situation whereby some communities will only have people who identify and ascribe to a certain political party serving as both MPs and Chief Executives largely whether elections are held on partisan basis or not.  This will deny others who ascribe to other political ideologies the opportunity to be key influencers of development at the local level. There may be a few exceptions though.

The simplest appreciation of political decentralization is to allow political heads at the local level the authority to implement policies and interventions that address local community needs. An important feature of this system is to ensure that, interventions at the local level are not in contravention with national policies and framework. In view of this, it is always important that, the political figure at the central government has a political representative that shares in the vision and aspiration of the central government. To further appreciate this, imagine the chaos that will characterize our educational system in a situation where elected local government officials (MMDCE) who do not share in the vision of the Free SHS policy of the central government   introduce or implement a contrary plan at their respective local levels.

On the issue of accountability, the current system provides for a deeper accountability since the appointed MMDCE is directly accountable to a President who has been elected by majority of Ghanaians to lead in the developmental agenda. A non-performing Chief Executive in this case can be easily fired by the President. Also, the Chief Executives are directly accountable to citizens through elected and appointed Assembly Members who are direct representatives of indigenes at the local Assembly. The law provides for Assembly Members to pass a vote of no confidence by two-thirds of Assembly Members when they are dissatisfied with an MMDCE.

Per our cultural dispensation, traditional leaders especially paramount chiefs who are the custodians of the land play a critical role in local level development. There have  been reports on certain appointed chief executives misconducting themselves and undermining the authority of chiefs in certain decisions which has resulted in severe conflicts and retarded development. In such instances, if the situation cannot be resolved, the chief Executive is asked to step aside for a different person who will be willing to work and not undermine the authority of traditional authorities. In the case of making the office of MMDCEs electable, development will surely come to a standstill should a major conflict arise between a revered traditional authority and an elected Chief Executive since none of them can be asked to step aside in the interest of unity and community development. In order to ensure that, political leaders at the local level do not try to undermine the authority of the traditional authorities and ensure effective stakeholder consultation and better collaboration among these local community actors, the current practice should be maintained.  

Lastly, the current structure provides an avenue to ensure increased citizen participation. Assembly members are by law to organize community engagements and solicit the opinions of citizens to be sent to the Assembly and communicate back to citizens after deliberations by the Assembly. Also, the preparation of the medium term development plan provides an avenue for inputs to be made by citizens’ usually through their zonal councils or Area/Town councils. If the Assembly is better resourced to ensure these practices are operational, then citizens’ participation will be realized. If the position of Chief Executives is made an elective one whiles the above structures remain dormant, then how does that increase citizen participation in local level development after elections?

In conclusion, before considering making the position of MMDCE an elective one, conscious effort must be made to demonetize politics in Ghana, address political polarization in Ghana, adequately resource and enhance effective IGF mobilization to ensure citizen participation, encourage decorous politics, provide a clear requirement based on qualification and competence on who to serve as Chief Executives and address other bottlenecks that hinder decentralization in Ghana. Let me state that, in principle, I am a strong advocate for any system that will promote social accountability, increase citizen participation and ensure development emanates from the local people. However, this should not let us undermine or overlook the current socio-cultural and political underpinnings that has characterized elections in Ghana since 1992 in our quest to reform local governance.

Political Neutrality may not exist in our current dispensation but political objectivity surely exists. May we find the strength to make our contributions to national and political discourse based on political objectivity and professional experiences and not hide under political neutrality to remain silence on critical national matters. Democracy is beautiful because it makes room for divergent opinions. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.

 

Vincent Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

Email; vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Personal Blog: mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com

The writer is a Development Practitioner and a Local Government Enthusiast. He holds a Master’s Degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School. He is also an Alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI, RLC).

MOTHERS!!! GOD’S SPECIAL GIFT TO HUMANITY

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:25-28. These words from the Scripture is a true representation of Mothers.

In a typical African setting, growing up as a girl child is probably one of the toughest training one can ever experience. From being forced to learn how to “keep a home” so as to be a “ useful marriage material” i.e. cooking, sweeping, mopping, scrubbing etc. whiles the male kids usually wander around. The struggle of being discouraged to take up some courses and careers since they are seen to be male dominated fields. "The moral lessons" on being taught what to wear and even how to walk. 

From childhood, the next endeavor is a transition from adolescence to adulthood. This transition is perhaps one of the most difficult transitions in life. From men old enough to be your parents pestering your lives with love proposals coupled with “disturbances” from young men and more recently from other females. The struggles and pains associated with menstruation. The struggles of being denied job offers for refusing to be abused sexually by some unscrupulous employers.  Self-acclaimed Aunties, God Mothers and Neighbors who will pester your lives with their “when are you getting married chorus”? And when a lady finally marries, the chorus now moves to the most annoying question of when are you giving birth? Dealing with these questions is another trouble on its own as a female.

And  when the girl child finally becomes a mother. She is faced with the problem of combining her professional/ career progression with marital responsibilities. Sadly in some instances, some mothers have to reject or decline some professional opportunities in order to cater for their families. 

Mothers are the first point of call when there is no food in the home, when fees have to be paid, when clothes have to be washed among others. The honest truth is that, the mother is not only a mother to her children but doubles up as a mother to the husband.

With all these challenges, mothers discharge their duties with much joy, pride, happiness and a deep sense of fulfilment. Truly, the role of  Mothers  can be likened to teachers, doctors, accountants, economists, cleaners, security personnel, cooks and mentors all boxed up in one job description.  

When a mother lays a cane or finger on a child, she does it out of love and for the betterment of the child. When mothers argue and fight with their husbands, in most instances, it is for the well-being of the home. When mothers take up more challenging careers, they want to serve as mentors to their children especially their female kids. When mothers take a sigh of relief, then indeed, it is to thank God for his generosity on her family. When mothers are engaged in a quarrel with neighbors, the honest truth is to safeguard their families from predators.

Who else can do these if not mothers? Who else can offer their lives for their children and family if not mothers?

The most worrying and saddest part of being an African mother is being tagged as a witch when age catches up with you coupled with menopause. Would a witch have kept you in her womb for nine months? Would a witch had labored and toiled all her life in the name of fending for her family? Would a witch have denied herself of her needs to cater for the wants of her kids? 

Indeed Mothers are strong spirited women and the least we could for them at their old age is to crown them as living angels and not witches.

One day, in a conversation with my big sister, I asked her what her greatest source of joy was, she responded; “whenever I look at the three of you (her three younger brothers) and see how amazing you have grown, my heart is at peace”. I know her greatest hobby is to cook for her brothers as well. My Mum’s greatest happiness is to see smiles and happiness on the faces of her biological children and all children especially her students. I am sure this narrative will not be different from other mothers and sisters should they be asked this same question. Mothers are indeed a true blessing from God and all they strive and toil for in this world is to see smiles in their homes and surroundings.

On this day as the world honors Mothers, I particularly want to thank God for the gift of my mother and big sister. They have been my biggest source of inspiration. I appreciate my aunties, cousins, friends, teachers, and colleagues, supervisors and the many female friends who continue to inspire me and bring out the best in me. I remain highly grateful to all women who have played motherly roles in my life and the lives of others. I  pray for God’s blessings upon your lives.

To the few men who had to take up the role of mothers for their kids, You are indeed true heroes..

Happy Mother’s day to all women and May the Good Lord continue to use you just as she used Mother Mary as a vessel to bless humanity.

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa. 

The writer  is a Development practitioner with interest in local government, youth development and addressing issues of gender biases.

Email;vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

 

JOURNEYING WITH THE AFRICAN MALE CHILD; THE UNSPOKEN REALITY

In the past two decades, issues of affirmative action, gender equality, feminism, patriarchy, social inclusion and cohesion has informed many policy direction and continues to gain much more attention in our quest to ensure holistic development. In Africa, development practitioners have largely focused on addressing the inadequacies/gaps in society that have negative effects on the wellbeing of the African Child particularly the girl child.

A lot of donor agencies, organized groups and individuals have rolled out projects and interventions in this regard. These interventions are largely aimed at addressing gender-related issues. Some of these intervention are in the area of early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, girl child education, menstrual hygiene, cruel widowhood rites among others. International conventions and days of commemoration such as international Day of Women in Science and Technology, World Menstrual Hygiene Day, International Day On Social Justice are largely providing platforms and opportunities to address problems facing the African Girl Child.

Admitting clearly that, cultural issues, biological differences, religious inclinations and societal constructs have affected and hindered the potential of the African Girl Child in the past and continues to be of great concern in the 21^st century, it is worth noting that, the 21^ST century African male child has his own struggles which should not be swept under the carpet. If indeed we seek to ensure holistic development, then particular attention must and should be paid to these “known, yet hidden and unspoken realities” facing the 21^st century African Male.

Let us embark on a short exploratory journey in the life of a typical African man who grows up in a typical African setting so we can appreciate these realities considering culture, academic, home-training, societal perception, marital expectations, family commitments, career among a host of others.

Culturally, society has in a way taken away the right of the African man to show emotion and express grief when life gets tough. These are explicitly captured in many of our Akan adages such as “Barima Nsu”, to wit “a man doesn’t cry”, “Barima na   )nom aduro a 3nyono”, to wit “it is the man who takes the bitter pill”. In a continent where surviving as an African child isn’t an easy adventure, the African male child is expected to swallow so many bitter pills. This is really eating some young men up and has a potential to result in depression. I know many young men, who shed tears in their pillow in their journey to secure a livelihood but can’t openly shed these tears and frustrations because society says it is haram for a “man to cry”.

Growing up, I was denied an award because I had the same score with a lady in my class. The lady was given the award simply because she is a girl. Isn’t it worrying why teachers even expected the male breed to be academically smarter than the female at that time? If that isn’t the case, why was I denied the award? I know many young men can relate to this story growing up in primary and Junior High Schools. In my young mind, the lesson I learnt as a boy was that, I must and at all times be smarter than a girl so as to get my award peacefully. The honest truth is that, I have encountered many smarter females than myself in my academic and professional pursuit. In my case, I have had a re-orientation that I cannot be smarter than every lady.  I know so many men walk in the world thinking they must  at all times be smarter and more knowledgeable than ladies due to some of these unspoken realities.

During my days as a national service person, I struck into a conversation with a female teacher concerning these unspoken realities facing the male child. She mentioned to me that, during her days in the teacher training college about twenty years ago, trainees were given equal allowances yet the ladies expected the young men to provide for them financially. I quickly told her that trend hasn’t changed much based on my experiences. When I was in the university, it was “the norm” for the boy or young man to foot all bills at a hangout with a lady and sometimes the friends of the ladies. Birthday parties of ladies were a major responsibility for a university guy in love. Valentine’s Day and occasional surprises was such a big deal and sometimes led to breakup in relationships. These days, I understand “bill sharing” has been introduced (on paper awaiting implementation). This is indeed an interesting development.  The crust of this issue is that, the young African men are faced with needless financial pressure that sometimes pushes them to do the unthinkable.

I happened to have listened to a conversation between some young university students in love. The relationship was on the verge of collapsing hence the need for dialogue. The young lady in her opinion has been an amazing girlfriend simply because she doesn’t put financial pressure on the young guy as her girlfriends do.  The sad reality is that, this is considered extremely normal. Two university students who are both economically dependent on their parents yet one (the man) is expected to bear the financial responsibility in a relationship. The woes of the young boy in love…

In conclusion, I must admit in all honesty and humility that, per our cultural orientation, social construct, biological and religious inclination as Africans, the African girl has been disadvantaged in many ways. However, this must and should not stop us from discussing and addressing issues that affect our boys as well. Together we can make the continent a better place for us all.

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream,

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and  team member of the SOS-CV “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi.

 Email;vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow