-BY Issah Olegor
In a sweeping administrative move, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated a new set of District Chief Executives (DCEs) for all 43 districts within the Ashanti Region, signaling a significant reshuffle and the possible sidelining of several incumbents who had been holding the reins in the most populous region.
The nominations, made in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as amended, were officially announced by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in a statement signed by sector Minister Ahmed Ibrahim.
The statement emphasized that the appointments are subject to approval by the respective district assemblies.
This move is part of President Mahama’s broader strategy to inject new energy into local governance, particularly in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party, NPP, which his National Democratic Congress, NDC, has long struggled to dominate electorally.
Full List of Nominees
Among the notable names is Ben Abdallah Alhassan, who has been nominated for the Asokore Mampong Municipality.
Another key figure is Faustilove Appiah Kannin, tapped to lead Obuasi West.
Her appointment is notable for gender representation in a male-dominated regional leadership pool, and she is expected to bring her legal background and grassroots mobilization experience to bear in the mining community.
In Kumasi’s high-profile municipalities, Amoh Kemel has been nominated for Asokwa, while Eric Asibey is set for Kwadaso.
Owusu Ansah Frank and Anwel Sadat Ahmed have been designated for Suame and Oforikrom, respectively, highlighting a pivot towards younger, urban-focused administrators.
In rural strongholds, Abubakar Sedik will oversee Ahafo Ano South West, while Ibrahim Yamba Nelson Issaka takes on Ahafo Ano South East.
Both men are expected to face the dual challenge of agricultural development and youth unemployment in their districts.
New Faces, New Expectations
The list also includes:
Kwasi Amankwaa for Kumawu
Joseph Amankwa for Kwabre East
Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu for Juaben
Jerryne Asante for Ejisu
Sarah Amoakoaa for Asante Akim North
Maame Sarfoah Appiah for Asante Akim South
Grace Agyemang Asamoah for Atwima Kwanwoma
Pearl Patricia Ankrah for Afigya Kwabre South
Charles Appiah-Kubi for Bosome Freho
Albert Dakurah for Adansi Asokwa
Oheneba Kobena Andoh for Adansi South
Gariba Mohammed Mustapha for Adansi Akrofuom
Most of the nominees are political first-timers at the DCE level, although several have experience in party administration or civil service roles.
Political watchers believe the President is seeking a blend of loyalty, technocratic ability, and fresh energy to bolster his government’s decentralization agenda.
Background
The Ashanti Region, often considered the heartbeat of the opposition NPP, has traditionally been a challenge for any NDC government.
By overhauling the entire district leadership structure, President Mahama appears to be positioning the NDC to build deeper roots in the region ahead of the 2028 elections.
Notably absent from the nominations are several former DCEs who had served under the Mills and Mahama administrations, including veterans like Kwaku Asante-Boateng and Richmond Agyenim-Boateng, suggesting a generational and strategic reset rather than a mere rotation of familiar faces.
