Elect Local Leaders: Strengthening Ghana Democracy

Elect Local Leaders: Strengthening Ghana Democracy

For decades, Ghanaians have prided themselves on a strong democratic tradition at the national level.  We elect our presidents, members of parliament, and debate policies openly.  Yet at the local level—where decisions most directly affect daily life—democracy remains incomplete.  The time has come for Ghana to embrace meaningful local governance reforms, especially the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Local Government Shapes Everyday Life Local governments are responsible for issues that touch people most closely: sanitation , local roads, markets, basic schools, and community development projects.  When refuse is not collected, when feeder roads are impassable, or when local clinics lack support, it is not Accra that people blame—it is their district authorities.  Yet these authorities are largely appointed, not elected, creating a gap between decision-makers and the people they serve. Accountability Requires the Ballot Democracy works best when lea…