The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has warned Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that those who fail to perform effectively will be dismissed by March 31, 2026.
He said the government would not tolerate poor performance or lackadaisical attitudes among appointees, stressing that MMDCEs must prioritise the implementation of government policies and programmes at the district level.
Mr Ibrahim made the remarks during a familiarisation visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani. He said policies such as the 24-hour economy were designed to drive national development and improve living standards.
He urged MMDCEs to focus on sanitation and invest in key infrastructure projects, including CHPS compounds, school blocks, and agricultural initiatives. Cautioning against complacency, he warned MMDCEs not to be armchair executives but to be proactive.
“Don’t always sit in your office. If you fail to do your work well, by March 31, 2026, you will be sacked,” he said.
He explained that dismissals would be based on performance assessments by the Social Accountability Committee (SAC), including reports from the government’s accountability committee. Mr Ibrahim added that President John Dramani Mahama had also warned ministers and appointees against poor attitudes toward work.
“All the 60 ministers are working 24/7. The President himself hardly sleeps. We were given the mandate to work. As an MMDCE, are you implementing government policies?” he asked.
Funding
The minister said the government had released the entire 2025 District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to the assemblies, leaving MMDCEs with no justification to complain about inadequate funds. He added that the three per cent allocation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) had been paid and would increase to five per cent this year.
Mr Ibrahim also disclosed that an eight-member committee, chaired by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, had been formed to review applications from assemblies seeking elevation. He urged MMDCEs and other appointees to ensure transparency in the government’s accountability exercise to avoid sanctions.
Congratulations
The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, congratulated Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on his re-election as the NPP flagbearer and commended other contestants for their performance in the contest.
