Here is the rewritten article, structured in clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and written in a clear, pedagogical style.

Former MMDCEs Appeal to President Mahama Over Delayed End-of-Service Benefits

Meta Description: Discover why former MMDCEs are appealing to President Mahama for the immediate settlement of long-overdue end-of-service benefits. Learn about the human impact and political context of this critical issue.

Introduction

In a poignant open letter addressed to the President, a collective of former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) has made a desperate plea for the urgent settlement of their end-of-service benefits. As the nation embraces the new year with calls for national unity and cohesion, these former local government leaders are asking President John Dramani Mahama to translate these words into action by resolving a financial impasse that has persisted for years.

The appeal, spearheaded by Leo-Nelson Adzidogah, the former Municipal Chief Executive for Akatsi South, highlights a growing humanitarian crisis. The delay in processing these rightful entitlements has transcended mere bureaucratic inefficiency, resulting in severe health deterioration and even death among the former officials. This article breaks down the details of the appeal, the historical context of the benefits, and the broader implications for governance and public service in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of this appeal, it is necessary to understand the role of the MMDCE. The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive is the appointed political head of a local government area in Ghana. They serve as the representative of the central government at the local level and play a pivotal role in the development and administration of their respective districts.

The Nature of End-of-Service Benefits

End-of-service benefits (often referred to as gratuities) are a standard component of public service compensation packages in Ghana. They are essentially lump-sum payments made to public officials upon retirement or the cessation of their tenure. These payments are calculated based on the length of service and the last salary drawn. Legally and morally, these funds are considered a deferred wage—a right earned through service, not a privilege granted by the state.

The Timeline of the Delay

The current administration inherited various financial obligations from previous governments. However, the delay in settling the benefits of MMDCEs whose terms ended following the 2016 general elections has been a point of contention for several years. The appeal notes that similar benefits were promptly settled by the Akufo-Addo administration in 2017 for MMDCEs leaving office at the end of President Mahama’s first term. This historical context forms the basis of the current group’s expectation for equitable treatment.

Analysis

The situation described by Mr. Adzidogah goes beyond a simple administrative backlog. It touches upon the fundamental social contract between the state and its public servants.

The Human Cost of Bureaucratic Delays

The most striking aspect of the appeal is the reference to “national tragedy.” When public servants retire or leave office, they often transition from a regular salary to a fixed pension. Without their end-of-service benefits, many are left financially vulnerable. The inability to pay for medical bills is not just a financial statistic; it represents a breakdown in the social safety net. The statement that colleagues have “gone to eternity” because they could not afford treatment underscores the life-or-death stakes of these administrative delays.

Political Cohesion vs. Administrative Reality

President Mahama’s New Year message emphasized the need for cohesion beyond partisan strains. The former MMDCEs are using this rhetoric as a lever for action. By noting that the affected group includes members from both the NPP and NDC, they are arguing that settling this debt is an act of national service rather than political patronage. If the government is serious about unity, the argument follows, it must ensure that all citizens, regardless of their political history, are treated fairly.

Practical Advice

For public servants and citizens following this issue, here is a breakdown of the practical implications and steps usually involved in resolving such disputes.

Understanding the Claims Process

For former public servants waiting on benefits, the process typically involves several stages:

1. Submission of Clearance Forms: Upon exiting office, the individual must submit clearance forms indicating they have no outstanding debts to the government.
2. Actuarial Valuation: The government actuary must calculate the total liability. This is often where delays occur if budgetary allocations have not been made.
3. Budgetary Allocation: The Ministry of Finance must release funds specifically for these payments in the national budget.

Steps for Advocacy

When standard channels stall, collective advocacy—as seen in this article—becomes a vital tool:

• Unified Voice: Speaking through a representative (like Leo-Nelson Adzidogah) ensures the message is coherent and difficult to ignore.
• Public Awareness: Bringing the issue to the media highlights the human cost, applying moral pressure on policymakers.
• Leveraging Precedent: Citing past successful settlements (like in 2017) creates a legal and moral expectation for the current administration to follow suit.

FAQ

Conclusion

The appeal by former MMDCEs to President Mahama is a stark reminder of the human realities behind government administration. While the delay in end-of-service benefits is often categorized as a fiscal or bureaucratic issue, the consequences are deeply personal, affecting health, family stability, and dignity. As the President calls for national unity, the resolution of this longstanding debt offers a tangible opportunity to demonstrate that the state values the service of its local leaders, regardless of the political cycle. The hope remains that a directive will be issued soon, ensuring that these public servants receive the financial security they have rightfully earned.