A total of 209 applicants have qualified for vetting for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) positions in the Northern Region.

The Sagnarigu District has the highest number of applicants with 24, followed by the Tamale Metro and Tolon, each with 16 candidates.

Tatale recorded the least number of candidates, with seven individuals vying for the position. Among the total applicants, 25 are women.

Additionally, three former Members of Parliament - representing Kumbungu, Wulensi, and Tolon - are part of the candidates.

Speaking to JoyNews, the Northern Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Baba Zee, outlined the structure of the seven-member vetting committee.

“The committee comprises the Regional Chairman, Regional Secretary, Regional Organiser, a representative from the Regional Council of Elders, a representative from the MPs, a representative from former appointees, and one person from the Women’s Wing,” he explained.

The vetting process is scheduled to take place from January 18 to January 21. Baba Zee indicated that the committee plans to vet candidates from four districts each day, covering 50 to 53 candidates daily.

“The requirements include a thorough review of their CVs and verifying the claims they have made to ensure accuracy,” he noted.

Following the vetting process, three names from each district will be submitted to the President for formal appointment.

Baba Zee also mentioned measures to ensure the process runs smoothly and securely.

“Accreditation will be issued to each candidate and two people they wish to bring along. This arrangement will help us manage the process and maintain security, as the Regional Coordinating Council is a security zone,” he emphasised.