The Citizens’ Platform on Constitutional Reform is calling for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) elections to be conducted without presidential nomination or executive-controlled shortlisting, as it pushes for broader limits on presidential power.
The coalition supports the election of MMDCEs but disagrees with a proposed system under which the President would nominate candidates who would then be vetted and shortlisted before voters make their choice.
Presenting the civil society coalition’s position in Accra, Professor Akosua K. Darkwah, Chairperson of the Citizens’ Platform, said local government elections must be “open and unfiltered” so that qualified citizens have a genuine opportunity to contest.
The Platform argued that allowing the Executive to determine which candidates reach the ballot would undermine the independence of the local election process.
The coalition nevertheless supports the broader proposal to move towards elected MMDCEs, describing local-level electoral participation as an important component of Ghana’s democratic development.
The Platform also wants significant changes to the President’s powers to appoint public officials.
It said appointments to independent and oversight institutions should be based on the nature of the office and conducted through transparent, competitive and merit-based processes, rather than being left largely to presidential discretion.
The coalition argued that stronger safeguards were needed to reduce the concentration of power in the Executive and strengthen the independence of constitutional institutions.
Among its proposals is a constitutional prohibition preventing Members of Parliament from simultaneously serving on the boards, governing councils and procurement committees of publicly funded institutions.
The Platform said the restriction would help reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen Parliament’s ability to exercise independent oversight over government.
It also disagrees with maintaining arrangements that allow MPs to serve concurrently as ministers, deputy ministers or regional ministers, arguing for a clearer separation between the Executive and Parliament.
The proposals form part of 16 areas where the Citizens’ Platform is asking government to reconsider its position on constitutional reform.
The coalition said the broader objective was to reduce excessive concentration of power in the presidency, strengthen independent institutions and improve accountability between Ghana’s constitutional branches.