Gov’t rallies support for the election of MMDCEs

Government, through the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Ministry of Information, has commenced a campaign on the upcoming national referendum on the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) through the  universal adult suffrage system.

The campaign is to encourage Ghanaians to participate in the referendum, thus ensure at least 40percent voter turnout is achieved and 75percent is actualized.

Addressing  journalists in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region , Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, indicated that President Akufo-Addo had earlier promised to ensure a shift from the current system of appointing DCEs into public offices.

“President Akufo-Addo in fulfillment of his promise is working to reverse that at least in the area of decentralization. ”

In order to fulfill this promise, the Minister mentioned that government has completed all its consultations and preparatory works to ensure there is a free and fair election.

The Information Minister stressed on the need for all stakeholders to get involved in order to deepen Ghana’s democracy and give more power to the people.

“All stakeholders are encourage to take an interest in this referendum and campaign for a yes vote to ensure its success, ” he said.

Oppong Nkrumah is therefore urging the media and civil society groups to join the campaign.

The referendum is for the amendment of Article 55(3) of the constitution to allow  public election of MMDCEs.

The referendum is expected to come off on December 17,  2019 together with the district level elections.