The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has highlighted the shortcomings of Ghana’s local governance system, pointing out its failure to address the exclusion of various groups, including the youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and political parties. To remedy this, IDEG proposes the implementation of a ‘Mixed Member Proportional Representation’ system, setting aside a certain percentage of seats at the local government level for the youth, women, and PWDs. This move aims to ensure fair representation and enhance decision-making in local governance.
With the Constitution currently preventing chiefs from participating in political activities, IDEG suggests establishing a Council on Local Development and Governance, where chiefs can collaborate with local assemblies to drive development within their areas of jurisdiction. Professor Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, emphasizes the importance of incorporating youth ideas in local governance, as their perspectives can enrich the work of assemblies. The current lack of representation, with only six out of 100 elected Assembly Members being women, raises concerns about the democratic nature of the system and highlights the need for reform.
Dr. Emmanuel O. Akwetey, Executive Director of IDEG, advocates for giving people the power to elect their own MMDCEs (Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives). Additionally, he supports the involvement of political parties in local level elections to strengthen institutions and foster accountability. However, amending the entrenched clause, Article 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits party politics in local governance, requires consensus among key stakeholders. The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development is currently engaging with stakeholders to build consensus on this matter.
In an interactive session, youth participants also called for a review of the age limit criteria for presidential candidates, as well as reduced filing fees to encourage more youth participation in elections. Their advocacy seeks to promote youth engagement at the local level and bring about positive changes in Ghana’s local governance system.
