G/A Minister orders non-performing MMDCEs to step aside 

In a hard-hitting address that has sent shockwaves through the local government machinery, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has issued a stern warning to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), accusing many of them of gross incompetence and complacency.

She declared that those failing to deliver on their mandate must “step aside” and make way for more serious, results-oriented leaders.

Speaking at the “Time with the Media” engagement held at the Impartiality Conference Hall in Accra, the Minister expressed deep disappointment over worsening sanitation, malfunctioning streetlights, and unchecked billboard installation across the region.

According to her, these failures reflect a troubling pattern of neglect by some local executives.

“At this stage, excuses are nothing, but an embarrassment to the people we serve. Leadership is not about sitting in offices and enjoying the perks of your position—it is about delivering results. Right now, many of you are simply sleeping on the job,” she said bluntly.

On the issue of street lighting, Mrs Ocloo revealed that 3,000 new streetlights have been secured through collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, with 100 allocated to each MMDA.

She gave MMDCEs a strict two-week deadline to ensure installation across their jurisdictions.

“No excuses, no delays. I will personally monitor this directive. Any Chief Executive who fails to comply will be exposed and reported,” she warned.

Sanitation Crisis: “A Reflection of Your Failure”

The Minister did not mince words regarding the sanitation situation, describing it as unacceptable and a sign of administrative failure. Despite available resources, such as the sanitation component of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), many assemblies have allegedly failed to recruit sanitation workers or clear drains.

“Sanitation is not a favour you are doing the people; it is a core responsibility… The stench, the filth, the choked drains are a reflection of your failure to lead,” she said.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister condemned the mounting of unauthorised billboards that obstruct visibility and compromise public safety, warning MMDCEs to strictly enforce billboard regulations.

She also criticized the lack of seriousness in addressing the rampant theft of drain covers, and the encroachment of sensitive ecological sites like the Ramsar wetlands and the Laloi Lagoon in the Ningo-Prampram District.

“The illegal filling of materials into the Laloi Lagoon must stop immediately. It is irresponsible, short-sighted, and a direct assault on environmental sustainability,” she said.

Ban on Personal Assistants Taking Over Official Duties

In a scathing rebuke, the Minister also barred all MMDCEs from assigning official tasks to their personal assistants or bringing them to official RCC meetings. She described this trend as an abuse of office.

“Some of you have surrounded yourselves with PAs who virtually run the assemblies. They write your speeches, sign documents and even represent you at meetings. This must stop immediately,” she cautioned.

Citing a cautionary example from the past, she urged public officials to avoid scandal and maintain integrity in office: “Learn from what happened to Vicky Hammah. She was axed from Mahama’s government over a recording in which she said she needed just a million dollars to quit politics. Let that be a warning.”

Mrs Ocloo also outlined three priority areas that will form the basis for evaluating MMDCEs: sanitation, streetlights, and enforcement of by-laws. She pledged to forward performance reports to the Ministry of Local Government and the Presidency.

She also called on the public to be active citizens; report faults, obey sanitation laws, stop illegal dumping and billboard erection, and help security agencies protect public property.

“The people of this region are tired of words. They want results and they want them now,” she emphasised.

The Minister’s address has sparked strong reactions across the Greater Accra Region, with political analysts describing it as one of the boldest accountability calls in recent local governance history. Whether the MMDCEs will rise to the challenge or be shown the exit remains to be seen.

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