The Regional Reorganisation and Development Minister has proposed a total withdrawal of the December 17 referendum over what he said are attacks on President Akufo-Addo’s person.
Dan Kwaku Botwe is convinced some persons are unjustifiably hurling invectives at the President over government-backed ‘YES’ campaign for an upcoming referendum. The December 17 referendum seeks to amend the law to enable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and unit committee members to be elected along political party lines.
Speaking on Adom FM, he said if people will disrespect the President for his intention to deepen Ghana’s democracy by relinquishing his power to appoint MMDCEs to voters, then he would advise the President to cancel the whole referendum. In his view, calls for the referendum to be postponed to enable more stakeholder consultation are not good enough but a total withdrawal of the referendum is better. His comments come on the back of a call by Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, that the referendum should be postponed to enable better voter education on issues.
Mr Botwe said cancelling the entire referendum to maintain the status quo would rather help if the good intentions of the President would stir up controversy.
The Okere Legislator further argued that the problems of multi-party democracy should not be presented as a justification to stifle democracy. There have been calls by groups and individuals including the National House of Chiefs and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who are canvassing for a “NO” vote on the upcoming referendum to maintain Article 55(3) of the 1992 election.
Article 55 (3) of the 1992 Constitution, which is an entrenched provision, states that “Subject to the provisions of this Article, a political party is free to participate in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas, social and economic programmes of a national character; and sponsor candidates for election to any public office other than the district assemblies or lower local government units”.
Source: Adom FM
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I thought in Ghana, my vote is my secret. Wherein lies the utter declaration of people's inclination, starting from the president. We have codes of ethics and conduct, lets abide by them
DAN YOU SEEMS TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE ISSUES. GHANAIANS WANT MMDCES ELECTED JUST LIKE WE ELECT THE ASSEMBLYMEN/WOMEN. GHANAIANS HOWEVER DON'T WANT THEM TO BE ELECTED ON PARTY LINES. WE MAY CANCEL THE REFERENDUM AND STILL ELECT OUR MMDCES IF THE PARLIAMENT ENDORSE THE MOTION FOR THEIR ELECTION. THIS IS ALL THAT GHANAIANS ALL CALLING FOR NOW.
Simply put the government failed to do proper communication and they knew it will blast in their face when they go ahead.
Do you really understand the issue? Let me help, the main issue is about election on party lines or not. it is not about mass election of MMDCEs, for that one every one had no problem. I think you guys are part of the reason the government is losing this game. You guys should read small
I agree with Honorable Dan Botwe, if electing MMDCEs on party lines will bring chaos and pouring of invectives on the President, then the referendum be cancelled for Ghanaians to have their peace of mind.Your Excellency continue appointing your MMDCE's. Period.
It would be good if it is cancelled so that the president continues to appoint if that would maintain peace. If the person who holds the power to appoint wants to relinquish it for the masses to choose and people are saying he should continue holding the power, why not? The president should cancel the referendum altogether and continue appointing the MMDCEs. That is what will make the NDC happy. ***barred word***!!!
The problem is with Article 55 clause which is to allow Partisanship in the Local Governance. For the Election of the MMDCE's Parliament has amended that portion already. So withdrawal of the Yes and No does not affect the Election of the MMDCE'S PLEASE
I agree totally with Hon. Dan, Mr President please cancel the whole project. You have done enough to be remembered for and future leaders will always be greatful for what you have done for them.
Fantastic suggestion by the Evergreen Dan. I agree with him 100%
I agree with Honorable Dan, if electing MMDCEs on party lines will bring 3rd world war in Ghana, then it's better it is cancelled for sleeping dogs to lie. Your Excellency Appoint and have your peace. Thank you.