The District Chief Executive and Accountability in Ghana's District Assemblies, The Case of the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (Lekma), 2000-2012
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Date
2013-06
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University of Ghana
Abstract
For about three decades, Ghana has pursued decentralisation which has led to the transfer of
power and resources to the local level with the aim of accelerating local development and
democracy. Successful decentralization, however, depends on accountability of the District Chief
Executive (DCE) who is the central figure of the District Assembly.
This study which examined the nature of accountability in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal
Assembly (LEKMA) found that, there are several measures that have been put in place to hold
the DCE accountable. First, the nomination of the DCE was approved by the District Assembly
(DA). Second, all proposals of the DCE were subjected to the approval of the District Assembly.
Third, the District Assembly could remove the DCE through a vote of no confidence. It was
possible for the DA to investigate suspected acts of malfeasance by the DCE.
Despite these, the study found weaknesses in the accountability measures. The DCE exerts
control over the thirty percent members who are appointed by the President. Also, the DCE is
manipulated by the ruling party and the President who appointed him to the position. As result,
the DCE feels more committed and accountable to the President than to the DA. The study
concludes that the appointment of the DCE by the President does not promote accountability in
Ghana‟s District Assemblies.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)-University of Ghana, 2013