President Akufo-Addo
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who have shown disrespect to their respective chiefs and, especially, failed to consult them in taking decisions regarding development in their jurisdictions would not be re-appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The notice was served by the President during a meeting with the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the chiefs of Akyem Abuakwa who called on him at the presidency on Friday.
The President accordingly urged the chiefs to report all such disrespectful chief executives to him.
That was after the chiefs had complained to President Akufo-Addo about the difficulties they face in getting the MMDCEs to cooperate with them in the execution of the local development agenda.
No consultations
Daasebre Eyimadu Kantamanto II, Kwabenghene and Gyasihene of Akyem Abuakwa, who addressed the President on behalf of the chiefs, said some MDCEs do not consult the traditional leaders when they take decisions regarding development in the communities they are responsible for.
He added that some chiefs are even not informed about sod-cuttings for projects within their jurisdictions.
“Our DCEs and MCEs are not treating our chiefs well at all. When you question them on any move they are embarking on, they respond that it’s their mandate to do what they are doing. Some of them even cut sods for projects without the knowledge of the chiefs in those areas. Some of these things are not nice at all. So, we plead with you to speak to them,” he said.
Leadership
In a response, President Akufo-Addo said any MMDCE who fails to acknowledge traditional leaders doesn’t know his work.
According to the President, good governance requires that those in leadership positions listen to the concerns of their followers and address them accordingly.
He thus charged the chiefs to report such appointees to him so that he does not reappoint them.
“We have all kinds of problems with some of my DCEs. Any DCE who doesn’t know how to get along with the chiefs for the progress of his district doesn’t know his work. But since I am coming to appoint new DCEs, if there are any like that within the Okyeman enclave, do let me know so I don’t reappoint them.
“Good governance means that you consult with the stakeholders and ensure that their concerns are addressed. If any DCEs and MCEs don’t do that, then they don’t understand their work well. So please let me know [of such appointees],” the President told the chiefs.
Point out wrongs
President Akufo-Addo also charged the chiefs to always draw his attention to any wrongs committed within his administration.
This, he said, is the only way for him to successfully implement his vision for the country.
“You people are my hope – not only Okyeman chiefs, but all chiefs in this country. When you see that things are going wrong, draw my attention to it for it to be corrected. Nobody can stop you from doing that because if I succeed, I succeed for all of us as Ghanaians and if it goes bad, it affects all of us. So let’s work together to make my tenure a successful one,” he appealed.
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