By Jones Anlimah
A nationwide poll conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has revealed that a majority of Ghanaians prefer the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on a non-partisan basis.
The survey, which sampled views from all 16 regions of Ghana between August 15 and 26, 2025, targeted citizens aged 18 years and above. According to the findings, 67.9 percent of respondents want MMDCEs to be elected rather than appointed, while 63.5 percent specifically prefer that such elections be conducted on a non-partisan basis.
The poll also showed that public awareness of the current system of appointing MMDCEs is high, with 69.6 percent of respondents indicating knowledge of how the position is filled. However, 30.4 percent admitted they did not know, a situation the IEA said requires enhanced civic education.
Debates over whether MMDCEs should be elected or appointed resurfaced after former President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his call for non-partisan elections, consistent with the National Democratic Congress’s 2024 manifesto promise.
The IEA noted that the overwhelming support for non-partisan elections points to a general lack of confidence in political parties at the local government level.
The report concluded that Ghanaians strongly back reforms that would make the position of MMDCEs elective and free from partisan control, in order to strengthen accountability and improve local governance.
