The much-talked-about announcement of persons nominated by President Akufo-Addo to become Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) was done yesterday by Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Daniel Botwe amidst pockets of drama.
There were not much changes as some people expected because many of the old names were retained.
Notable Nominations
The notable places where there were new faces in the hot seat included the Accra Metro, Kumasi Metro and Tamale Metro.
In Accra, the President nominated former deputy minister and former MP, Elizabeth Kwatsoo Sackey, to replace Mohammed Adjei Sowah.
The rumoured penciling of Elizabeth Sackey instead of the retention of Mohammed Sowah for the AMA position, triggered pockets of violence in Jamestown in the Odododiodio Constituency in Accra, leading to the arrests of four people that the police suspect were ringleaders of the illegal action.
In the Kumasi Metro (KMA), NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary, Samuel Payne aka Sam Payne, was selected to replace the incumbent Osei Asibbey Antwi who is said to have stepped aside when the nomination processes were ongoing.
In Tamale, the incumbent Iddrisu Musah, popularly called Superior, was changed for Sule Salifu who will be coming as the new Tamale Metro boss.
Interestingly, even though nominated, the candidate would have to be voted for by two thirds of their respective assemblies before their dreams to lead the assemblies would become reality.
The nominee has two attempts, and when unsuccessful in all, the person would have to be replaced by the President.
Setting Up Committee
In May this year, President Akufo-Addo tasked the party to set up a committee to receive and vet applications for the position of MMDCEs across the country for consideration, and according to sources, almost all those nominated had appeared before the committees set up by the party.
NPP General Secretary, John Boadu, who played a lead role in the exercise, said in July that members of the committee expected between 90 to 95 per cent of the shortlisted candidates to reflect the President’s preferences when he finally carries out the appointment.
“Though we have finished our work and the report is ready for submission to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he has the final say in who becomes the MMDCE in every district, municipality or metropolis,” he stressed.
According to him, any alteration of the recommendations of the committee could come from the President’s assessment of the candidates, events and promises made to some party members during the NPP parliamentary primaries last year.
The President, during a tour of the Western Region early in the month, said the list would be out before the end of the month and just last week the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, had said the President had given the list to the Local Government Minister for the announcement to be done.
Red Alert
There have been series of agitations around the country over the MMDCEs where some were in favour of the incumbents whilst others wanted fresh faces in the districts.
The National Security later said it was prepared to curb any trouble that might come up after the announcement of MMDCEs.
The alert, captured in the form of a memo, titled ‘Anticipating of possible violence ahead of the announcement of MMDCEs’ issued on Thursday, to chairpersons of regional security councils (REGSECs), municipal security councils (MUSECs) and district security councils (DISECs) had said “There are indications of possible clashes ahead of the announcement of MMDCEs in parts of the country.”
“REGSEC, MUSEC and DISEC are hereby urged to be on high alert to pre-empt breach of peace in the respective areas,” the alert said.
Police Alert
The Police Administration later said it has deployed personnel nationwide to curb any disturbances that may arise following the release of the MMDCEs.
The police Director of Public Affairs, ACP Kwesi Ofori, assured Citi FM that the police will do everything possible to ensure that the country’s peace is not disturbed.
He added that all the 14 police divisions in the Greater Accra Region have been supported with personnel from the Regional Command to ensure they are up to the task, saying “the police administration has directed all the 18 Regional Commanders to make sure that they deploy personnel in the respective regions and ensure that they halt any attempts to disturb the peace of the country.”
“Therefore, the police have increased their presence and visibility, especially in Accra. All the 14 divisions in Accra have deployed personnel, and the region’s command has also given them support, and we are monitoring development closely.”
Jamestown Demo
On Saturday, ahead of the announcement, the police arrested four persons in connection with the street demonstration at Jamestown, Accra.
Following a social post about a purported list of MMDCEs in the Greater Accra Region, some persons in the Odododiodio Constituency of the Greater Accra Region embarked upon a demonstration characterised by the burning of tyres in the streets of Jamestown.
The four, suspected to be the ringleaders of the demonstration are Salaami Abubakari, 36, Daniel Opare Oman, 43, Edward Holm, 38 and Daniel Clottey, 41.
According to a police statement on the subject, the four persons “led scores of people to allegedly block a road at Jamestown by burning car tyres, further creating a sense of fear and disorder.”
Preliminary investigations, the police stated, suggest that the unlawful protest was in response to the widely circulated list of potential Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Those who have planned unlawful assembly to cause mayhem over the MMDCEs issue or any other matter, the police have warned, should abandon the plan lest they face the law.
Regional Breakdown
Greater Accra
In the Greater Accra Region, apart from Elizabeth Sackey the incoming AMA boss, Mariama Karley Amui, who served as Regional Women Organiser, was nominated for Ablekuma Central, Kofi Ofori for Ablekuma North, George Cyril Bray for Ablekuma West, Sarah Dugbakie Pobee for Ada East, Sampson Tetteh Kpankpah for Ada West, Daniel Alexander Nii Noi Adumuah for Adentan, Albert Boakye Okyere for Ashaiman, and Alhaji Mohammed Quaye for Ayawaso Central Municipal.
The rest include Salma Mohammed Sani Adams, who was nominated for Ayawaso East, Aminu Mohammed Zakari for Ayawaso North, Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah for Ayawaso West, Mohammed Bashiru Kamara for Ga Central Municipal, Elizabeth Kaakie Mann for Ga East Municipal, Simons Sekyim for Ga North, Joseph Nyarni Stephen for Ga South Municipal, Clement Nii Lamptey Wilkinson for Ga West Municipal, Samuel J. Nii Adjei Tawiah for Korle-Klottey Municipal, and Samuel Okoe Amanquah for Kpone Katamanso Municipal.
Others are Joshua Nii Bortey for Krowor Municipal, Solomon Kotey Nikoi for La Dadekotopon Municipal, Jennifer Dede Afagsedzi for La Nkwantanang Madina, Mordecai Quarshie for Ledzokuku, Latif Amanor for Ningo Prampram, Boye Laryea for Okaikwei North Municipal, Fred Offei for Shai Osudoku, Yohane Armah Ashitey for Tema Metropolitan, Anna Adukwe Adoo for Tema West, and Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor for Weija Gbawe Municipal.
Ashanti Region
In the Ashanti Region, Andrew Adu Boahen was nominated for Adansi Asokwa, Eric Kwaku Kusi for Adansi North, Francis Kwabena Ankomah for Adansi South, Kwasi Karikari Acheamfour for Afigya Kwabre North, Christian Adu Poku for Afigya Kwabre South, Martina Appiah Nyantakyi for Ahafo Ano-North, Thomas Owusu Ansah for Ahafo Ano South East, Joseph Bonsu Frimpong for Ahafo Ano South West, Richard Owusu for Akrofuom, Michael Donkor for Amansie Central, and Clement Opoku Gyamfi for Amansie South.
The rest include Nii Larteh Ollenu for Amansie West, Robert Kwakye for Asante Akim Central, Francis Oti Boateng for Asante Akim North, Alexander Frimpong for Asante Akim South, Kennedy Kankam, former MP for Nhyiaeso replaced Alidu Seidu for Asokore Mampong, Akwannuasah Gyimah for Asokwa Municipality, Prince Karikari for Atwima Kwanwoma, Isaac Kofi Marfo for Atwima Mponua, Michael Awuku Amoah for Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal, and Rebecca Yeboah for Atwima Nwabiagya North.
Kwake Kyei Baffour was nominated for Bekwai Municipality, Yaw Danso for Bosome Freho, Joseph Kwasi Asuming for Bosomtwe, Samuel Oduro Frimpong for Ejisu Municipality, and Kingsley Osei for Ejura Sekyedumasi to replace Salisu Bamba who chickened out following the Ejura violence.
Alex K. Sarfo-Kantanka for Juaben Municipal, Opoku Agyemang Bonsu for Kwabre East, Richard Agyenim Boateng for Kwadaso Municipal, Thomas Appiah Kubi for Mampong Municipal, Faustina Amissah for Obuasi East District, while Elijah Adansi Bonah was retained for Obuasi Municipality.
Kingsley Owusu Appiah was nominated for Offinso Municipality, David Kwasi Asare for Offinso North, Abraham Kwame Antwi for Oforikrom Municipal, Lord Inusah Lansah for Tafo Municipality, Hamidu Sulemana for Sekyere Afram Plains, Osei Adiyiah for Sekyere Central, Benjamin Kingsley Koduah for Sekyere East, Samuel Addai Agyekum for Sekyere Kumawu, Catherine Reckling for Sekyere South, and Maxwell Ofosu Boakye for Suame Municipal.
Bono East
In the Bono East Region, Edward Owusu was maintained at Atebubu Amantin, whilst in Kintampo North, Michael Sarkodie Baffoe was dropped and replaced with Isaac Baffoe Ameyaw.
Constituency Chairman Opoku Nyame replaced former DCE Alexander Gyan who has now become MP in Kintampo South, whilst in Techiman Municipal, Kofi Donyina was dropped and replaced with Benjamin Yaw Gyarko.
In Techiman North, Peter Mensah was dropped and replaced with Everson Addo Donkor whilst John Nyarba was maintained in Sene West, and in Sene East, Abraham Mbanye was dropped and replaced with Kofi Gyimah, with Gifty Akorsah Attah also being dropped and replaced with Peter Osei Fosu in Nkoranza North.
In Nkoranza South, Diana Attah Kusiwaa was maintained, Joshua Kwaku Abonkra – maintained in Pru East, whilst in Pru West, David Manu replaced Stephen Jalulah, now MP and deputy Minister for Highways.
Eastern Region
In the Eastern Region, Richmond Amponsah was nominated for Achiase, Agyabeng Alhaji Umar Bodinga for Abuakwa North Municipal, Akosua Asabea Annah for Abuakwa South Municipal, Isaac Ofori-Kore for Afram Plains North, Evans Kyei Ntiri for Afram Plains South, Seth Birikorang Ofosu for Denkyembour, Barima Awuah Asiedu Larbi for Akuapem North Municipal, Frank Aidoo for Akuapem South, Alex Incoom for Asene Manso Akroso, Samuel Kwame Agyekum for Asuogyaman, Kwabena Panin Nkansah for Atiwa East District, Seth Asante for Atiwa West, Josephine Awuku Ansaa Inkoom for Ayensuano, while Victoria Adu was nominated for Birim Central Municipal.
Raymond Nana Damptey was nominated for Birim North, Asare Danso for Birim South, Charles Oware-Tweneboah for Fanteakwa North, Ernest Ofosu for Fanteakwa South, Seth Antwi Boasiako for Kwaebibirem Municipal, Isaac Agyapong for Kwahu East, Emmanuel Attah Ofori Snr for Kwahu South Municipal, Yaw Owusu Addo for Kwahu West Municipal, Simon Kweku Tetteh for Lower Manya Krobo, Seth Oduro Boadu for West Akim Municipal, and Comfort Asante for New Juaben North.
Isaac Appaw-Gyasi for New Juaben South, Isaac Kwadzo Buabeng for Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal, Paul Asamoah for Akyemansa, Daniel Kenneth Addo for Okere District, Margaret Darko for Suhum Municipality, Joseph Sam for Upper Manya Krobo District, Eugene Sackey for Upper West Akim, and Eric Tetteh for Yilo Krobo Municipal.
Western Region
In the Western Region, those removed included Shama – Joseph Amoah who was replaced with Ebenezer Dadzie, Ahanta West – Henrietta Mary Eyeson replaced with John Agyare, Amenfi West – George Egyir was dropped and replaced with Lord Nana Tandoh, Amenfi East – Helena Appiah was removed and replaced with Fredrick Koranchie.
In Jomoro, Ernest Kwofie was dropped and replaced with Louisa Iris Arde, Nzema East – Frank Okpeyen dropped and replaced with Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah.
Those retained in the region include Sekondi-Takoradi -Abdul Mumin Issah, Ellembelle – Kwasi Bonzoh, Effia-Kwesimintsim – Kojo Acquah, Mpohor – Ignatiius Assah Mensah, Prestea Huni Valley – Isaac Dasmani, Tarkwa-Nsuaem – Benjamin Kessie, Amenfi Central – Patrick Hickson Amponteng and Wassa East – Emmanuel Boakye since the incumbent Wilson Arthur did not show interest again.
Western North
In the Western North Region, those removed were Bia West – John Nkoa was replaced with Bernard Gyedu Blay as well as Suaman where Christian Baah went out with Philip Kwabena Boahen coming in.
However, Samuel Adu Gyanfi – Aowin, Nicholas Kupog Yayin – Bia East, Alfred Amoah – Bibiani Ahwiaso Bekwai, Ignatius Amankwaa – Bodi, Godfred Adjei -Juaboso, Yawson Amoah – Sefwi Akontombra and Louis Owusu Agyapong – Sefwi Wiawso were all maintained.
Northern Region
In the Northern Region, Mariam Iddrisu was replaced by Yakubu Ahmed Mohammed in Sagnarigu whilst Hajia Ayishetu Seidu was retained in Savelugu and Ahmed Yussuf Abubakar also retained in Yendi.
In Kumbungu, Abdul Salam Hamza Fataw was retained, Abdulai Yakubu retained in Nanumba North, Alhassan Yabdow replaced by Iddrisu Mohammed Saani in Karaga, Mohammed Hashim replaced by Samuel Kwesi Negiri Mahama in Mion, Issah Musah replaced by Yaja Dawuni Robert in Gushegu whilst in Kpandai Emmanuel Attah Tatablata was retained.
In Saboba, George Bingrini was retained, Nanumba South went to Issifu Zakaria, Ahmed Abubakari Iddrisu was retained in Zabzugu, Balchisu Yakubu was replaced by Fuseini Salifu Issifu Moshe in Tolon whilst in Tatale/Sanguli, Thomas Nbomba was replaced by James Cecil Yanwube.
Bono Region
In Banda in the Bono Region, Mary Konneh was replaced with Emmanuel Akone, in Berekum East Municipal, Kofi Adjei was maintained whilst in Berekum West, Isaac Osei was dropped and replaced with Dominic Oppong.
In Dormaa Central, Iddrisah Quattara was maintained and Emmanuel Kofi Gyimah was also maintained in Dormaa East whilst in Dormaa West, Mary Ameyaa was dropped and replaced with Francis Kwadwo Oppong.
In Jaman North, Adane Ankomah was dropped and replaced with Solomon Owusu, Alhaji Abu was dropped and replaced with Andrews Bediako in Jaman South, Ansu Kumi was nominated for Sunyani East Municipal whilst Martin Obeng was dropped and replaced with Constituency Chairman Evans Kusi Boadum in Sunyani West.
Charity Dwomor was dropped and replaced with Louisa Acheampong in Tain, Dr. Prince Kwakyi Afriyie was dropped and replaced with Alexander Obour Damoah in Wenchi.
Central Region
In the Central Region, Willy Evans Obiri Ewuah was nominated for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Hanna Asamoah for Agona East, Evans Addison Coleman for Agona West, Ransford Emmanuel Kwesi Nyarko for Ajunako Enyan Essiam, Lawrence Edutuah Asiaw for Asikoma Odoben Brakwa, Nicholas Kofi Baako for Assin Central and Charles Ohene Andoh for Assin North.
The rest are Felicia Nteakwa Amissah for Assin South, Joseph Aidoo for Awutu Senya East, Anita Love Amisah for Awutu Senya West, Ernest Arthur for Cape Coast Metropolitan, Zubaru Kassim for Efutu Municipal, Ebenezer Monney for Ekumfi, Benjamin Kojo Otoo for Gomoa Central, Solomon Darko-Quarm for Gomoa East, Benjamin Baise Nkum for Gomoa West, Solomon Appiah for Komenda- Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Ike Lord Enu for Mfantseman Municipal, Kennedy Sarpong for Twifo Heman Lower Denkyira, Richard Agyemang Nyarko for Twifo Ati Morkwa, Ebenezer Forson for Upper Denkyira East and Richmond Koduah for Upper Denkyira West.
Savannah Region
In the Savannah Region, Veronica Alele was retained in Bole, Mohammed Tamimu retained in East Gonja, Adam Eliasu retained in North Gonja, Saeed Muaz Jibril replaced by Karim Musah Kusubari in West Gonja, and in North East Gonja, Alhassan Abdallah was replaced by Mohammed Musah Tindawu whilst in Sawla Tuna Kalba, Lawal Tamimu was replaced by Losina Barikisu and Mahama Mustapha replaced by Iddrisu Sali in Central Gonja.
Ahafo Region
In the Ahafo Region, only Asunafo South DCE Osei Bonsu Snr was replaced with Frank Adusei Poku. The rest namely Yaw Osei Boahen – Asunafo North Municipal, Anthony Mensah – Asutifi North, Robert Dwomoh Mensah – Asutifi South, Ernest Kwarteng – Tano North and Collins Offinam Takyi for Tano South were all maintained.
North East
In the North East Region, Issahaku A.S. Lucky Basintale was retained at West Mamprusi, Adam Abu was retained in Mamprugu/Moagduri but in East Mamprusi, Abdul Nashir Danladi was replaced by Rashida Mahama.
In Yunyoo/Nansua, Oscar Liwaal was replaced by Konlan Bitian, in Chereponi, Tahidu Abdul Razak was replaced by Zuweiratu Mada Nashuru whilst Majeed Duut was replaced by Joseph Louknaa in Bunkpurugu/Nakpanduri.
Oti Region
In the Oti Region, Millicent Kabuki Carboo has been selected for the Biakoye District. Elizabeth Kesewaah Adjornor for Jasikan, Wilson Agbenyor for Kedjebi, Francis Okesu goes to Krachie East, Kwasi Nkrumah Ogyile for Krachi Nchrumu District, Emmanuel Kajal Jalula for Krachi West, while Narugma Kidinnang William for Nkwanta North and Enwah Bright Kwame for Nkwanta South.
Upper East
In the Upper East Region, Madu Hamza was nominated for Bawku Municipal, Tahiru Issahaku Ahmed for Bawku West, Ayinga Abagri Yakubu for Binduri, David Akologo Amoah for Bolgatanga East, Rex S. A. Asanga for Bolgatanga Municipal, Rita Atanga is replacing Peter Ayanbisa in Bongo District, Vida Anaab Akantagriwen for Builsa North Municipal, Daniel Kwame Gariba for Builsa South District, Musah Osman for Garu, Joseph Adongo for Kassena Nankana Municipal, Gerard Ataogye for Kassena Nankana West District, Agnes Anamoo for Nabdam, Zubeiru Abdulai for Pusiga, Thomas Pearson Doanab for Talensi and Paul Azumah Abugri for Tempane District
Upper West
For Upper West Region, Nadi Imoro Sanda was nominated for Daffiama Bussie-Issa District, while Christine Bonbanye-Amadu was nominated for Jirapa Municipal, George Gerard Naluri for Lambussie, Martin Domotiere for Lawra Municipal, Katherine T. Lankono for Nadowi-Kaleo, Raymond Nero for Nandom, Fuseini Yakubu Batong for Sissala East Municipal, Ayisha Imoro Batong Hor for Sissala West District, Tahiru Issahaku Moomin for Wa Municipal, Ewurah Suleman K. for Wa East District, and Bukari Ali for Wa West District.
Volta Region
In the Volta Region, Phanuel Kadey Donkor was nominated for the Adaklu District, James Etornam Flolu for Afadzato South, Emelia Amefa Adziamah for Agotime Ziope District, Prosper Paty Kofi for Akatsi North, Martin Kofi Sey Nyuhe for Akatsi South, Seth Kwashie Yormawu for Anlo District, Moses Zonyrah for Central Tongu, Divine Richmond Komla Bosson for Ho Municipal, and Noble Yao Awumey for Hohoe.
The rest include Emmanuel Gemagal for Keta Municipal, Anthony Avorgbedor for Ketu North, Maxwell Koffie Lugudor for Ketu South, Geoffrey Kodzo Badasu for Kpando, Edmund Atta Kudjoh for North Dayi, Divine Osborn Fenu Kwadzo for North Tongu, Godwin Dzadzawa Kwame for South Dayi and Seth Kwasi Agbi for South Tongu.
By Ernest Kofi Adu with Additional files from Daily Guide Reporters