Eleventh-Hour Decisions: Genuine Use of Executive Power or Political Expediency?

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted executive approval to upgrade several districts to municipalities and municipalities to metropolises. This move, coming just days before the end of his administration, has sparked debate among political analysts, citizens, and stakeholders about its timing and intent.

Details of the Upgrades

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGRD), in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 4, confirmed that the upgrades were made following its request and in line with the legal provisions of Act 936. Among the assemblies affected, the Ho Municipal Assembly, Sunyani Municipal Assembly, New Juaben Municipal Assembly, and Wa Municipal Assembly have been elevated to metropolitan status.

Such upgrades typically come with increased administrative responsibilities and financial implications, as metropolises and municipalities require additional resources, personnel, and infrastructure to meet the demands of their new status.

A Historical Precedent

This decision mirrors actions taken by former President John Agyekum Kufuor during his final days in office in 2008. Kufuor implemented the Single Spine Salary Structure, a policy aimed at streamlining and improving salary conditions across public institutions. While the policy was popular among workers and unions, its implementation imposed a significant financial burden on the government of his successor, President John Evans Atta Mills.

President Mills, who assumed office in January 2009 after winning the 2008 elections, inherited the fiscal challenges associated with the policy. The strain on government resources hindered his administration’s ability to deliver on some campaign promises, leading to widespread criticism and public dissatisfaction. Many observers perceived the timing of Kufuor’s decision as politically motivated, designed to handicap the incoming government.

Recurring Concerns About Political Expediency

Critics argue that this pattern of last-minute executive decisions is not new in Ghanaian politics. Outgoing governments have, on several occasions, introduced policies or taken actions that impose substantial financial or administrative burdens on their successors. These actions, whether deliberate or coincidental, often create a perception of political gamesmanship rather than genuine governance.

President Akufo-Addo’s recent upgrades have reignited these concerns. By elevating districts and municipalities to higher administrative statuses at the close of his term, critics allege that his administration is laying a financial and operational burden at the feet of the next government. Such moves can increase public expectations for development and service delivery in the newly elevated areas, which the succeeding government may struggle to meet, particularly in a challenging economic environment.

The Broader Debate

Supporters of the president’s decision argue that it reflects his commitment to advancing local governance and decentralization, which are essential for national development. They point out that such decisions are within his executive powers and align with the legal framework governing local government administration. According to this view, the timing is immaterial so long as the decision serves the public interest.

However, detractors question the necessity and timing of the upgrades. They argue that such significant decisions should be made earlier in an administration’s tenure, allowing time for implementation and funding allocation. They also suggest that the decision may have been politically expedient, aimed at complicating the transition process and creating challenges for the incoming government.

Implications for Governance and Public Perception

The elevation of districts and municipalities carries both immediate and long-term implications. In the short term, the incoming government will need to allocate additional resources to meet the financial and administrative demands of the newly created metropolises. This could strain an already tight fiscal space, particularly in a post-election period where governments typically grapple with budgetary challenges.

In the long term, the perception of political expediency could erode trust in the democratic process. Citizens may view such actions as prioritizing partisan advantage over national interest, fostering cynicism about governance and leadership.

The decision to upgrade districts and municipalities at the twilight of President Akufo-Addo’s administration underscores a broader debate in Ghanaian politics: the balance between genuine governance and political maneuvering. While the president has exercised his constitutional powers, the timing of the decision leaves room for speculation about its intent.

Moving forward, policymakers and stakeholders need to ensure that such significant decisions are made with transparency and accountability, prioritizing the national interest over partisan considerations. This will help strengthen trust in governance and support the smooth transition of power, regardless of political affiliations.