Ghana's Decentralization Drive (2005-2009): Expansion of MMDAs Under President Kufuor

Overview of the Decentralization Initiative




Date Created : 9/12/2025 8:26:04 AM : Story Author :

During President John Agyekum Kufuor’s first term in office (2001-2005), Ghana recorded the establishment of 137 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) marking an early step in strengthening local governance structure. Building on this foundation, his second term (2005-2009) witnessed a much broader decentralization drive, resulting in the creation and consolidation 170 MMDAs nationwide. This sharp increase reflected the government’s commitment to deepening decentralization, enhancing grassroots participation, and expanding the reach of local governance across the country.

Table of MMDAs Established

Type of Assembly

Number Established
(2001-2005)

Number Established
 (2005-2009)

Metropolitan Assemblies
5
6
Municipal Assemblies
44
40
District Assemblies
84
124
Total MMDAs
137
170

 

This transformation was pivotal for improving service delivery and empowering communities, aligning with the government's vision of sustainable development.

Importance of MMDAs

The formation of these assemblies marked a critical shift in Ghana’s administrative framework, fostering:

  • Greater local accountability
  • Strengthened development planning
  • Enhanced public participation in governance

This comprehensive summary serves as a valuable resource for understanding how Ghana’s administrative landscape evolved during this era.