Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo has issued a sharp rebuke to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), warning them to immediately cease the delegation of official duties to personal assistants (PAs)—a practice she says undermines both accountability and governance.
Addressing MMDCEs at a regional meeting and press briefing on Thursday, August 28, Ms. Ocloo expressed concern over what she described as a “worrying trend” of personal assistants attending official functions and, in some cases, signing documents on behalf of their superiors.
“Some of you have surrounded yourselves with personal assistants who have virtually taken over your official responsibilities,” she said. “Assemblies cannot be run by unelected and unappointed individuals hiding behind your authority.”
The minister emphasized that PAs have no formal role in the operations of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and are barred from participating in confidential meetings or making administrative decisions.
“If you have decided to bring PAs, let them be clear that their role is strictly to help you organise your schedules, manage your time, and provide administrative support,” she said. “They are not to approve documents, and they are not to represent you at official meetings. This must stop immediately.”
Madam Ocloo added that the presence of unauthorized personnel at RCC sessions threatens the integrity of sensitive discussions and weakens institutional oversight.
“No MMDCE is to attend any RCC meeting with their personal assistant. Note, some issues are strictly confidential,” she stated.
The minister’s comments highlight growing concerns within Ghana’s local governance structures, where blurred lines between elected officials and their aides have raised questions about transparency and decision-making authority.
