Mahama Ayariga hands over 128 vehicles to MMDCEs in Accra

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has officially handed over a fleet of 128 vehicles to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to bolster local governance and service delivery. The distribution, which took place in Accra on October 20, 2026, consisted of Haval H9 SUVs and pickup trucks. This first batch of vehicles is intended to equip local authorities across 12 regions—including the Northern, Savannah, Volta, and Western North regions—with the mobility required to supervise development projects and enhance community engagement.

During the ceremony, Minister Ayariga issued a stern warning to the executives regarding the use of these public assets. He emphasized that the vehicles are strictly for official duties and must not be diverted for private errands, personal business, or family events. The Minister specifically cautioned against using the state-funded SUVs for what he described as "romance" or other social activities unrelated to their administrative responsibilities. He reminded the MMDCEs that their conduct and the management of state resources directly influence public perception of President John Mahama’s administration.

Beyond general administration, the Minister highlighted the critical role these resources will play in the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Ayariga noted that while mining and environmental protection are overseen by specific ministries, the success of enforcement efforts depends heavily on the vigilance and ownership of local authorities. To further this agenda, the Ministry has scheduled a conference in Kumasi for November 2, 2026, where MMDCEs and key stakeholders will develop a unified strategy against illegal small-scale mining.

The vehicle distribution is part of a wider decentralization initiative aimed at addressing operational challenges caused by the irregular release of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). Looking ahead, Minister Ayariga announced that the government plans to distribute motorcycles to assembly members to further improve grassroots mobility. He urged the MMDCEs to prioritize the regular maintenance of the new vehicles to ensure they remain in good condition for the duration of their service to the state.