Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralization, Daniel Kwaku Botwe, has refuted allegations that President Akufo-Addo fired the 24 District Chief Executives because they opposed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid for the presidency.
There has been speculation that the former DCEs were kicked out on suspicion they could impede the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer’s efforts to win the crucial general election in 2024 at the local level.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Mr Dan Botwe said such allegations have no basis and should be treated with the contempt that they deserve.
”This speculation has no basis at all. Nobody can make this allegation a statement of fact. The president who has worked with these people knows them very well and knows why he’s kicked them out of office. One cannot say that DCEs who have been sacked are from areas where Dr. Bawumiah didn’t perform well during the NPP flagbearer race. This claim is not supported by any statistics or any facts, so let’s not make such allegations.”
He added: ”The President, at any point in time, looks at the team he’s working with and makes changes as he deems necessary to strengthen his government to enable him to meet the aspirations of the people. That is exactly what he’s done with this reshuffle.”
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, has revoked the appointments of some 24 District Chief Executives (DCEs).
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralization, the President indicated the decision is by Article 243(3)(b) of the Constitution and Section 20(3)(b) of the Local Government Act 2014 (Act 936).
