MILLS ADMINISTRATION FOCUS ON DECENTRALIZATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ACCRA 000813

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM GH
SUBJECT: MILLS ADMINISTRATION FOCUS ON DECENTRALIZATION

SUMMARY


1. (SBU) Recent statements by senior Ghanaian officials suggest a
renewed focus on decentralization as the Mills Administration moves
to implement its agenda. President Mills has designated the
Minister for Local Government as point person for decentralization,
which officials claim will enhance the powers of district and
municipal assemblies, and foster local participation in governance
and decision making. The GOG has promised transparency, nationwide
consultations, improved competency, and a firm financial backing for
local assemblies. Vice President Mahama has called for direct
election of District Chief Executives, and stated that the
Government would consider constitutional amendments to advance its
policy. While the rhetoric indicates a serious approach to
decentralization, it remains to be seen what concrete steps the
government will take in an effort that could limit its hard-won
presidential powers. End Summary.

NDC Platform Commits Party to Renewed Decentralization


2. (U) During the 2008 election campaign, Mills' National Democratic
Congress (NDC) party promised to enhance decentralization, and
revive policies the NDC promoted when it was last in government.
While decentralization is referenced in Ghana's constitution, the
country's system of government is in fact highly centralized, and
there has been little incentive for the party in power to relinquish
authority to regional or local institutions. Nevertheless, in its
party manifesto, the NDC emphasized its commitment to
decentralization and outlined steps the party would take to
accelerate decentralization.

GOG Leaders Consider Constitutional Amendments


3. (SBU) On August 6, NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia
(who also serves in the Cabinet) told POL Chief that district and
municipal assemblies are weaker and less independent than a decade
ago, and that the government is reviewing decentralization policy to
halt excessive executive influence. He said that unqualified
support staff have made District and Municipal Chief Executives
autocratic and unaccountable. Nketia said President Mills has
designated Minister for Local Government and Rural Development
Joseph Yieleh Chireh as his point-person for decentralization.
Nketia added that the NDC is considering constitutional amendments
to make Parliament more independent and accountable.


4. (U) After taking office in March Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister
for Local Government and Rural Development said that the
government's goal is to make Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts
Assemblies (MMDAs) autonomous of the central government, and to
ensure "transparency in the use of resources for the benefit of the
people." Chireh said that the Mills Administration is working to
empower "officials to independently implement policies at the local
levels and ensure speedy implementation of programs and projects."



5. (U) On August 7, Vice President John Mahama called for a review
of decentralization policy, and said that District Chief Executives
should be directly elected by the people (Note: Under the
constitution, DCE's are appointed by the President. End Note). He
noted that the government has begun to organize stakeholder
consultations nationwide to review the process. On August 15, the
VP said that the government would hold a constitutional review
conference in early 2010 to identify areas that require amendments.

Opposition Claims NDC Insincere re Decentralization


6. (SBU) On August 13, Nana Ohene Ntow, General Secretary of the
opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP),told POL Chief that the party
in power uses local government positions for two principal reasons:
(1) to exert political influence at the local level and implement
its political philosophy; and (2) to dispense government jobs to
supporters. Ntow said that there was no genuine will among the
political leadership of either of Ghana's two main parties to grant
autonomy to district assemblies as it runs contrary to the ruling
party's political interests. [Note: Ntow's skepticism is supported
by a recent spate of violence in many communities, in which NDC
activists have opposed the President's choices of technocrats as
Municipal and District Chief Executives rather than party activists.
Such instances indicate the challenge the GOG faces in managing the
expectations of grassroots party members. End Note].

Comment:


7. (SBU) As noted by the NPP General Secretary, a major obstacle to
decentralization is the fact that the ruling party (whether NPP or
NDC) has used local government positions to distribute patronage and
secure power. To allow direct election of District Chief
Executives, as suggested by the Vice President, would lead to the
handover of many key positions (in the NPP-dominated Ashanti region,
for example) to the opposition. There are already indications that
grassroots NDC activists are unhappy with the Government's policy.
While we believe that President Mills and the NDC leadership is

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sincere in its desire to pursue decentralization, the road ahead
will be challenging: Mills will have to overcome opposition within
his own party from those who understand the threat this poses to
their personal interests. End Comment.

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