Andrews Bediako, the Administrator of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) has appealed to the citizenry to place premium on the referendum as a national project and massively vote yes on the December 17, this year.
“The yes vote to attain constitutionally required outcome will ensure involvement of the citizenry in decision-making processes for good governance, holistic development at local level, not for parochial interest of any particular political party but provision in 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution,” he stressed.
Making the appeal addressing stakeholders and the public in the Bono Region as part of nationwide regional sensitisation on referendum in Sunyani, Mr Bediako noted that the referendum was a means for the electorate to have mandate to elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDECs).
“NALAG has observed that the message of referendum has not been well-communicated to the public and because of that, many citizens think it is rather date for election of MMDCEs hence the need to embark on sensitisation exercise for opinion leaders, leadership of groups, organisations and communities to also explain message well to their people.
“The amendment of Article 55(3) will pave way for political parties’ participation in district level election and consequently, Parliament will also amend Article 243 (1) for the mandate to appoint MMDCEs by the president to change for the electorate to elect them, underpinning factor constitutionally, political milestone and means of reforming local governance system.
“Let’s reciprocate the president`s good will, shown to us by turning out to vote more than the required 40 per cent and 75 per cent “Yes” of total votes cast since it will not only ensure accountability but make room for more competent citizens to get chance to serve and facilitate speedy infrastructure and socio-economic development.
“Other political progress to be derived from election of MMDCEs as a nation will be the chance for opposition parties’ members to serve the people in MMDCEs capacity as opposed to current arrangements, which is preserve of members of ruling political party,” Mr Bediako assured. -GNA
