Executive Director of IDEG, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, calls for urgent attention to address public dissatisfaction with the local government system in Ghana, citing concerns about its failure to meet basic needs and growing calls for military intervention.
During a panel discussion at the 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC), Dr. Akwetey emphasizes the perceived shortcomings of the current local government system, particularly its failure to address issues like corruption and poverty. He warns of a threat to the country’s democracy and advocates for reforms.
IDEA proposes reforms, including the establishment of a Council for Local Development and Governance (CLDG) to integrate traditional leaders, and the introduction of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system (MMPR) for better representation of marginalized groups in local governance.
Dr. Akwetey criticizes the existing winner-takes-all system, with the dominance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggesting that political leaders prioritize capturing power over true stewardship.
He highlights the concentration of control in the hands of these two parties, fueled by Article 55(3) of the constitution, preventing political parties from participating in local governance.
Dr. Akwetey stresses the need to address systemic problems in the local government to create an environment for political and economic transformation.
Professor Atsu Ayee, a former Dean at the University of Ghana, supports the call for a party-based local government system, citing the current fragmented and non-viable nature of the system.
He emphasized the importance of building strong institutions to tackle challenges associated with the existing local government structure.