The Concerned Youth of Tema have called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint an Indigene as the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema.
According to a press release issued on April 16, 2025, the youth believe that an indigene would bring inclusive governance, cultural preservation, and fairness to the municipality.
The youth of Tema argue that appointing an indigene as MCE would promote a deeper understanding of the community’s unique challenges and developmental needs. This, they say, would ensure that policies and programs are tailored to the people’s best interests.
Currently, most key state-owned institutions in Tema are headed by non-indigenes, including TOR, GPHA, TDC, VALCO, Tema Shipyard, and GNPC. Similarly, all but one constituency within the municipality has a non-indigene as Member of Parliament. The Concerned Youth believe this imbalance should be addressed by appointing an indigene as MCE.
In the press release, the group emphasized that an indigenous MCE would strengthen Tema’s rich cultural heritage and give the indigenous population a sense of belonging and participation in their governance. They urged the President to consider their appeal and make a decision that upholds fairness and inclusivity.
The Concerned Tema Youth remain committed to supporting the government’s reset agenda and believe that an indigenous MCE will foster unity, trust, and progress in the municipality.
Below is the full press statement issued.
*PRESS RELEASE*
_*- To All Media Houses-*_
*The Concerned Youth of Tema Calls for Indigenous Leadership: A Plea to the President*
_*Tema, [16 April, 2025]*_
Following the recent nomination of candidates for the positions of District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Chief Executives across the country, the people of Tema Municipality find themselves at a critical crossroads. While the President’s prerogative to appoint qualified individuals is respected, there is a growing consensus among the indigenous people and traditional authorities that the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema should be an indigene of the area.
The traditional leaders of Tema, who are the custodians of the land and culture, have made a passionate appeal to the President to consider an indigene for this key position. Their stance is rooted in the need for equitable representation, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance that reflects the aspirations of the indigenous people.
It is instructive to note that sensitive government appointments to almost all key state-owned institutions like TOR , GPHA , TDC, VALCO, Tema Shipyard, GNPC and many more all went to non indigenes. It’s also trite knowledge that the offices of the Members of Parliament in all constituencies within the municipality, except one (Tema East) are currently occupied by non-indigenes. While competence and merit remain vital considerations, it is equally crucial to ensure that the indigenous people, who have historically been the backbone of the community, are not sidelined in leadership roles that directly impact their welfare and development.
The traditional authorities argue that appointing an indigene as MCE will:
1. *Promote Inclusive Governance*: An indigenous leader will have an intimate understanding of the community’s unique challenges, traditions, and developmental needs, ensuring that policies and programs are tailored to the people’s best interests.
2. *Strengthen Cultural Identity*: Tema’s rich cultural heritage deserves representation at the highest levels of local governance to safeguard its traditions and values for future generations.
3. *Ensure Fairness and Equity*: With non-indigenes occupying other key positions, appointing an indigene as MCE will restore balance and give the indigenous population a sense of belonging and participation in their own governance.
The Concerned Tema Youth respectfully urge His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to heed the voices of the traditional leaders and the indigenous people of Tema. This is not merely a matter of preference but a call for justice, equity, and sustainable development. The people of Tema remain committed to supporting the government’s reset agenda and believe that an indigenous MCE will foster unity, trust, and progress in the municipality.
We trust that the President, in his wisdom, will consider this appeal and make a decision that upholds the principles of fairness and inclusivity for the greater good of Tema and its people.
*Signed*
Comrade Gabriel Ngissah