IEA Survey Shows Strong Public Backing for Non-Partisan Elections of MMDCEs
A new national poll by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has found overwhelming support for non-partisan elections of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), with a clear majority of Ghanaians favouring a competitive, citizen-driven selection process over political nominations.
The follow-up survey, conducted from October 3 to 20, 2025, across all 16 regions, sampled 1,311 adults aged 18 and above. According to the IEA, 71.37% of respondents prefer that aspirants apply as individuals, a result the Institute says points to rising demand for a transparent, merit-based approach to local leadership selection.
Only 15.7% of respondents supported presidential nomination of candidates, while 12.98% favoured nomination through assembly structures. The figures, the IEA noted, reflect a sharp departure from long-standing political control over district-level appointments.
“The findings underscore Ghanaians’ desire for greater autonomy and accountability in local governance,” the Institute stated. “Citizens want MMDCEs who are chosen based on competence, not party affiliation or presidential discretion.”
Respondents further indicated that individual application would enhance transparency and help curb political patronage in local administration.
Debate over the mode of selecting MMDCEs has persisted for years, with proposals ranging from direct elections to hybrid models combining appointment and election. The IEA’s latest findings suggest that public appetite for fully non-partisan elections has strengthened since the last national consultations in 2019.
The results come at a time when civil society organisations and decentralisation advocates are renewing calls for constitutional reforms to overhaul the country’s local governance framework. With more than seven in ten Ghanaians endorsing an open, competitive process, pressure is expected to intensify on policymakers to revive stalled reforms and expand citizen participation in district-level leadership.
