A recent poll by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has shown that most Ghanaians prefer the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on a non-partisan basis.
To explore public opinion further, the IEA conducted a follow-up survey across all 16 regions of Ghana between 3rd and 20th October 2025, targeting citizens aged 18 and above. A total of 1,311 valid responses were collected.
About 7 out of 10 Ghanaians (71.37%) want candidates to apply individually for MMDCE positions, rather than being nominated by the President. Only 15.7% favoured presidential nominations.
Nearly 6 out of 10 respondents (56%) prefer that MMDCE elections follow a process similar to that of Assembly Members, where candidates are elected through a non-partisan public election managed by the Electoral Commission.
These results highlight the public’s desire for greater citizen participation in local governance and indicate growing support for reforms that reduce political party influence in MMDCE elections.
The survey reflects a broader readiness among Ghanaians for a more participatory and democratic approach to local leadership selection.
71.37% of Ghanaians prefer individual applications for MMDCE elections, while 56% support elections that mirror the current system for Assembly Members.
In June 2025, the government reaffirmed its commitment to deepening decentralisation and promoting accountable local governance, with a renewed call for the election of MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, said the election of MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis is a cornerstone of this vision.
Referring to the 2011 Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendations, the Minister described the current appointive system as undemocratic and inconsistent with Ghana’s broader democratic aspirations.
“It is my ardent hope that with your support, we will work together to complete all engagement processes to actualise the government’s vision for the election of MMDCEs,” he stated.
In 2019, the previous government laid in Parliament a bill to amend the Constitution to allow for the election of MMDCEs in the country.
The articles slated for amendment are Article 243 (1) on the appointment of MMDCEs by the President and Article 55 (3), which prohibits the involvement of political parties in district-level elections.
On the roadmap for the election, the government has indicated that the election process would be in three phases: Pre-Referendum Activities, Referendum Activities, Post-Referendum Activities and the amendment of Article 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution.
Per Article 290 (4), at least 40 per cent of the citizens are expected to vote at the referendum, with 75 per cent of them backing the Bill to be passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.
