Government through the Information Services Department of the Ministry of Information, has commenced a campaign on the upcoming national refrerendum on the election of MMDCEs by universal adult suffrage.
The campaign is to encourage Ghanaians to participate in the referendum which will ensure that the needed at least 40% voter turnout is achieved and a 75% yes vote is actualized to ensure that the referendum goes through.
Addressing Journalists in Bolgatanga last Sunday, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said President Akufo-Addo promised that he will ensure a shift from the current system of appointing DCEs which some have argued makes a President too powerful and prevents MMDCEs from being directly accountable to the people.
“In fulfilment of this, Government has completed all its consultations and preparatory works” he said.
The referendum is for the amendment of Article 55 (3) of the constitution to allow for the public election of MMDCEs.
The referendum is expected to come off on December 17, 2019 alongside the district level elections.
“This requires high levels of public education and campaigns to get people fully sensitized to take up this rare opportunity in which a sitting President devolves power to the citizens. The constitution 1992 is criticized for giving all powers to the President. President Akufo-Addo in fulfilment of his promise is working to reverse that at least in the area of decentralization and requires our full support to achieve that “Mr. Nkrumah said.
The Minister urged the media and civil society groups to join in this campaign.
“This is necessary to deepen our democracy and give more power to the people. All Stakeholders are encouraged to take an interest in this referendum and campaign for a yes vote to ensure its success” he concluded.
