KEY POINTS
- Ahmed Ibrahim promises to end power struggles between MPs and DCEs.
- Cooperation and role clarity are key to resolving conflicts.
- Plans include ministry restructuring to improve governance efficiency.
The Minister Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim has vowed to find the best solution to the current conflict between the Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCs).
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 21, 2025, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between the two groups to foster effective governance.
Clarifying roles to prevent conflict
After being an MP for 17 years and a deputy whip for 12 years, Ibrahim explained how different roles cause arguments that arise from a lack of role clarity.
According to Graphic Online, he cited advice from NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who likened DCEs to chiefs and MPs to servants, emphasizing the importance of focusing on individual responsibilities.
“There is always this tough war between MMDCs and MPs. Even political parties have had to intervene to stop MMDCs with parliamentary ambitions from destabilizing sitting MPs,” Ibrahim explained.
To fix these conflicts, he suggested holding regular meetings where everyone gets clear job tasks and learns to value each other’s work. “As a minister, I will not allow any DCE to disrespect an MP, and MPs must also respect DCEs. When everyone focuses on their jurisdiction, there will be peace,” he assured.
Combatting sabotage and fostering cooperation
Ibrahim condemned practices that he termed as acts of sabotage, like the DCEs holding MPs’ common funds, and MPs in DCEs’ operations, which he said erodes the partnership and productivity.
He pointed out that DCEs who sabotaged MPs during the last elections ultimately lost credibility.
“It’s not about sabotaging others; it’s about doing your work. Cooperation and focus on responsibilities will yield better outcomes for everyone,” he stated.
Schemes for structural reorganization
Ibrahim was able to share his idea of the ministry’s redesign with special attention to supervision and ethics.
He suggests that three ministries be combined into one ministry, and each ministry will have a coordinator for the different departments within that ministry.
“This is about effective supervision and ethical governance. I believe we can achieve it,” he said confidently.
