Citizenry urged to approve amendment for election of MMDCEs
Dr Hafiz Bin-Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, has urged the citizenry to vote massively to approve constitutional amendment seeking to pave the way for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
“I am appealing to all of us to encourage our people to come out and vote in their numbers for the amendment of the clause to elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives because the election is very crucial in deepening democracy, as it will ensure grassroots participation in the electoral process,” he stressed.
Dr Bin-Salih was speaking during the 59th senior citizens day celebration in the Daffiama-Busie-Issa (DBI) District where four public sector retirees were honoured for their immense contribution to the country.
They included Baba Hamid Osman, an Educationist, Hajia Afisata Hamid, a Municipal Director of Education, Evans Kpebah, a Regional Director of Education and Hellen Abudu, a Telephonist with the Regional Coordinating Council.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) presented to Parliament a bill seeking to amend portions of the 1992 Constitution that will allow political party participation in district level election.
Article 243 (1) allows the president to appoint the chief executives while Article 55 (3) prohibits involvement of political parties in local level election, but the MLGRD has developed a road map on the conduct of a referendum in December to amend the constitution.
Dr Bin-Salih said the government had introduced many pro-poor policy interventions aimed at promoting agricultural productivity for food security which also sought to develop the human capital base and provide employment opportunities for a vast majority of the people, mostly the young ones.
The minister condemned open defecation being practised by some community members, saying, “It is sad to note many people still attend natures call in the open.”
Nadi Imoro Sanda, the DBI District Chief Executive, noted that it has been 59 years since the nation became a republic and it was gratifying to see senior citizens during the memorable day. –GNA
