Mahama Orders MMDCEs to Declare Assets by July 15, Suggests Future Elections for the Role

Former President John Dramani Mahama has issued a clear directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to declare their assets by July 15, 2025. He made this known during an orientation and training program held for MMDCEs on Wednesday, June 18.

Addressing the gathering, Mahama emphasized that public accountability is a core requirement of leadership. “As officeholders, you are mandated to declare your assets, and I expect that each of you would have fulfilled this requirement by the July 15th deadline,” he said.

The former President also hinted at a major shift in how MMDCEs may be selected in the near future. According to him, ongoing constitutional review consultations have highlighted strong public support for electing MMDCEs rather than appointing them. “You may very well be the last group of MMDCEs chosen through appointment. One of the major proposals emerging from the review process is the direct election of MMDCEs by the people. There is clear public demand for this change,” Mahama explained, adding that the final recommendations from the National Review Committee are expected by August.

Mahama went on to urge MMDCEs to handle public funds responsibly, especially as their offices have been given a record-high allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). “This is the largest transfer of resources to local governments under the Fourth Republic, 80% of the DACF goes directly to you,” he noted. He stressed that these funds must be used transparently and in ways that directly benefit citizens.