The Concerned Youth of Tema and traditional authorities in the area are urging President John Dramani Mahama to appoint an indigene as the next Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema.
Their call comes in the wake of the recent nomination of candidates for District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Chief Executive positions across the country. While acknowledging the President’s constitutional authority to appoint qualified individuals, the group insists that equitable representation and local inclusion must not be sacrificed.
“We respect the President’s prerogative, but Tema deserves one of its own in this key leadership role. We cannot continue to be sidelined while non-indigenes take over leadership positions that directly affect our development,” said Kwame Nii Armah, spokesperson for the Concerned Tema Youth.
The traditional leaders of Tema have also thrown their weight behind the call, stating that the time has come for the government to recognise the indigenous people’s role in local governance.
“We are not against competence, but we believe a qualified indigene can better represent our interests and understand our unique challenges. This appointment is not just political—it is cultural, social, and developmental,” said Nii Adjetey Obour, a senior traditional leader.
The Concerned Youth lamented that appointments to nearly all key state-owned institutions in the Tema enclave—such as the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Tema Development Corporation (TDC), Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Tema Shipyard, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)—have gone to non-indigenes.
They further pointed out that Members of Parliament for almost all constituencies in the municipality, except Tema East, are also non-natives.
“How can we, the people who own this land and have built this city with our sweat, always be the ones left out?” questioned another youth leader, Akosua Naa Tetteh. “This is not just about politics—it’s about dignity, equity, and representation.”
The group outlined several reasons why an indigenous MCE is essential for the municipality:
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Inclusive Governance: A native leader is more likely to understand and address the community’s peculiar challenges and aspirations.
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Cultural Preservation: Representation at the top would help protect and promote the traditions and identity of the people of Tema.
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Fairness and Balance: With most key offices held by outsiders, appointing an indigene would restore equity and trust in the system.
They also expressed their commitment to President Mahama’s vision of resetting Ghana but insisted that inclusivity must form the foundation of that reset.
“We believe in the President’s vision,” the youth stated. “But the reset agenda must begin with fairness. Appointing a competent indigene as Tema MCE will strengthen unity and ensure sustainable development for all.”
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
