National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has described the current system of appointing District Chief Executives (DCEs) as not just flawed, but politically dangerous, especially within political parties.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, June 25, Mr. Nketia argued that the process of choosing among dozens of loyal party members for one position always leads to discontent, division, and quiet resentment that weakens party cohesion.
“It is not a pleasant activity, trying to choose among party people as to who should be a DCE,” he said bluntly.
“I spoke to you about districts where more than 20 people applied. Whatever the case, the position is one. You are going to make just one choice, and after that, you have 19 looking at you.”
His frustration points to a deeper argument, the call for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) rather than having them appointed by the President.
To him, allowing open, competitive elections for these positions would eliminate the political minefield created by internal selections.
“You are better off allowing them to go and contest, and the winner sworn in,” he added, suggesting that this approach would defuse internal tensions and restore legitimacy to local governance.
[embedded content]When asked by host Evans Mensah if the NDC still supports the broader push for the election of MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis, a proposal once backed by civil society and the party itself, Asiedu Nketia was clear that the support remains. However, he acknowledged that the current conversation has lost some steam.
“There is a push for MMDCEs to be elected,” he said, “but the same cannot be said about the demand for them to be elected on a partisan basis.”
He also weighed in on former President Mahama’s position, noting that while Mahama has expressed his support, he is leaving it to the Constitutional Review Committee to shape the final recommendations and push for the required amendments.
“President Mahama is expressing his opinion and then leaving it with the Constitutional Review Committee to present their findings,” he noted.
Pressed on whether pushing through the reforms to elect MMDCEs could be seen as part of his own legacy as NDC chairman—especially since it would mean giving up the party’s control over appointments—Mr. Nketia was candid.
“That power that you have superintended, as you mentioned, over so many years… It is under your watch that the power got taken away,” Evans noted.
To that, Asiedu Nketia responded not with regret, but with realism.
“It’s not something I’ll miss,” he implied. “It’s better for all of us if we don’t hold on to this power.”
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