President Mahama Orders Biannual Accountability Meetings for MMDCEs

President John Dramani Mahama has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who have already participated in the Presidential Accountability Series to organise corresponding local accountability engagements within their jurisdictions. The directive comes from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and aims to extend national transparency efforts down to community level. The new MMDA Accountability Series will require MMDCEs to hold town hall meetings twice annually to explain how government policies and flagship programmes are being implemented at the local level. These meetings will cover how each MMDA performs against its Medium-Term Development Plan and Annual Action Plan, the use of the District Assemblies Common Fund and Internally Generated Funds, and the management of public resources. MMDCEs must also report on infrastructure projects, sanitation, waste management, education, health services, social protection, local economic development and revenue mobilisation. Additional topics include employment initiatives, youth skills training, support for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, security measures, disaster response, Assembly commitments and pending intervention issues. Citizens will be able to assess both past performance and future priorities presented by their MMDCE. The directive requires public participation from traditional authorities, MPs, assembly members, religious leaders, civil society groups, market associations and other stakeholders. MMDCEs must create space for public questioning and clarification on local governance matters. Regional Coordinating Councils have been tasked with coordinating and monitoring these engagements to ensure broad inclusion and quality. They will verify participation and assess how well the meetings engage ordinary citizens. The Ministry will also conduct oversight visits to selected sessions to maintain supervision. MMDAs are expected to allocate budgetary resources from their approved financial plans to support these events. The exercise is described as a priority citizen-engagement assignment that will deepen accountability and build public confidence in local governance. MMDCEs are required to lead these processes personally in their areas. Preparations must begin immediately with sessions scheduled to start after the Presidential Accountability Series concludes in each region, as communicated by Regional Coordinating Councils.