The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has initiated an action at the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the continuing stay of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) in office in an acting capacity.
Eight months into the second term of President Akufo-Addo, MMDCEs have not been elected.
In a writ invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, sighted by Starrfm. com
gh, the South Dayi MP is seeking nine reliefs.
*Reliefs*
1. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 243(1) and Article 246(2) of the 1992 Constitution, the President of the Republic of Ghana has no power or authority to instruct or direct Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to remain in office in an acting capacity.
2. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 243(1) of the Constitution, 1992, the prior approval of the members of the District and Metropolitan Assemblies is a mandatory pre-condition for the President to direct, instruct or appoint any person to either act or hold office as a Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive.
3. A declaration that the Presidential directive dated 11th January, 2021 with reference number SCR/DA 39/314/01 directing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to continue in office in an acting capacity contravenes Articles 243(1) and 246(2) of the 1992 Constitution and is therefore null and void and of no legal effect.
4. A declaration that all acts, decisions, orders and rules made by the said acting District, Municipal and Metropolitan executives pursuant to the Presidential directive dated the 11th of January, 2021 contravene Articles 243(1) and 246(3) of the Constitution, 1992.
5. A declaration that all public expenses arising and pursuant to those decisions, acts, orders or rules made by the acting District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives are unlawful.
6. A declaration that all agreements or contracts entered into and decisions made by the said acting District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives are unlawful and same are not binding on the Republic of Ghana.
7. A declaration that all liabilities or obligations or demands placed on the Republic of Ghana as a result of the acts, decisions, orders, agreements or contracts entered into by the acting District, Municipal and Metropolitan Chiefs Executives during the period of their acting capacity are not binding on the Republic of Ghana.
8. An order directed at all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives continuing in office pursuant the above-mentioned Presidential directive to vacate office with immediate effect.
9. Any other Order(s) or Direction(s) that this Honourable Court may deem necessary.
*Background*
On August 20, 2021, the director of communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, at the Jubilee House press briefing announced that the process leading to the nomination and appointment of MMDCEs has been completed and sooner rather than later, the President through the Minister for Local Government and Decentralisation, Dan Botwe, will release the list.
