The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has presented a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at tackling issues of exclusion within the local governance system. IDEG's analysis contends that the existing local governance framework is ineffective and sidelines important demographic groups such as youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and political parties.
IDEG's proposed remedy involves the establishment of a ‘Mixed Member Proportional Representation system, which would reserve a predetermined percentage of seats at the local government level for youth, women, and PWDs.
This system, according to IDEG, would foster greater inclusivity, enhancing both accountability and development within local governance.
The institute voiced support for engaging political parties in local-level elections as a means to deepen accountability and strengthen development at the grassroots level.
IDEG highlighted the need to address the constitutional limitations that restrict chiefs from engaging in political activities. To this end, it suggested forming a Council on Local Development and Governance, uniting chiefs and local assemblies to drive progress within their respective jurisdictions.
Professor Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, stressed the urgency of incorporating youth perspectives into local governance.
He expressed concern over the limited representation of women in elected Assembly Members, underlining its implications for democratic society.
The proposed ‘Mixed Member Proportional Representation' system, if ratified by Parliament, aims to rectify this imbalance by ensuring equitable representation of marginalized groups in local leadership and decision-making roles.
Dr. Emmanuel O. Akwetey, the Executive Director of IDEG, emphasized the importance of enabling people to directly elect their Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
He advocated for allowing political parties to participate in local elections, asserting that this move would strengthen institutions and deepen accountability.
Article 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution presently excludes party politics from local governance, but IDEG advocates its amendment. A previous attempt to modify this clause in 2019 was shelved due to a lack of consensus among stakeholders.
The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development is now engaging with key stakeholders to foster agreement on the matter.
During discussions, youth participants urged a review of the age limit for presidential candidacy, aiming to encourage broader youth engagement in politics. They also appealed for reduced filing fees for young candidates intending to participate in elections, to enhance their participation in local-level elections.
“The advocacy should be stronger so that more youth will take part in local-level elections,” remarked Mr. Peter Mensah, President of the Graduate Students Association at the University of Ghana.
