The Coalition of District Assembly Members (CODAM) of Ghana, has endorsed the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, and pledged their votes to him in the 7th December elections.

According to the assembly members, led by their leader Mr Mawunyo Agbe, Mr Mahama’s vision aligns with their mandates, hence the decision to throw their weight behind him going into the election and to ensure that they play their part in securing his victory.

At a press conference held in Ho on Monday, November 25, Mr Agbe said the flagbearer's commitment to strengthening local governance is commendable.

The dean further noted that the former president and his late boss, John Atta Mills, have unmatched track records in the country’s local governance, especially when compared to the current government.

“During his tenure as Vice President under the late Professor Evans Atta Mills, he fulfilled the first promise ever made to Assembly Members by providing motorbikes to aid our mobility and service delivery. His role as the Chairman of the Economic Management Team during this period further showcased his commitment to empowering local governance and strengthening economic support for development at all levels.”

He expressed disappointment in the current government for not prioritising their needs as key components of the central government.

“The current government has left National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) members deeply disappointed. Despite numerous promises, motorbikes for the Ninth Assembly Members remain undelivered, hindering our work at the grassroots level. The Ninth Assembly faces neglect, as even basic membership cards are unavailable for identification and recognition, reflecting poor commitment to local governance. This lack of support undermines NALAG's credibility and frustrates its mission. CODAM trusts His Excellency’s pledge to introduce a monthly consolidated allowance for all Assembly Members,” he claimed.

He added that the various plans Mr Mahama has for the local assemblies will help enhance their mandate delivery and strengthen the local governance system.

“CODAM trusts His Excellency’s pledge to introduce a monthly consolidated allowance for all Assembly Members. This monthly allowance is aimed at enhancing our capacity to effectively represent our constituencies, enabling us to better fulfil our responsibilities and respond to the needs of our communities. With this allowance, Assembly Members will be empowered to: better fulfil their responsibility as the first point of call during developmental projects, fundraising, ceremonial functions, and incidents such as naming ceremonies and accidents. Assembly Members remain the first point of call and are expected to act as soon as possible. The allowance will assist Assembly Members in better responding whenever they are called upon,” he noted.

The Assembly members also expressed their trust in the flagbearer to help recover state resources misappropriated under the current administration.

“In addition, we acknowledge and support H.E. Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, a bold approach aimed at reclaiming all unlawfully mismanaged state resources. Of particular concern to CODAM is the issue of property rates collected by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Digital City Solutions (DCS), which have been plagued by irregularities and unlawful practices. CODAM has already taken steps towards ensuring accountability,” he said.

Mr Agbe, who also serves as the Presiding Member (PM) of the Ho Assembly in the Volta region, therefore called on the general populace to vote for the NDC and Mr John Mahama.

“The Coalition of District Assembly Members (CODAM) urges all Ghanaians to support H.E. John Dramani Mahama as the next President of Ghana. His leadership represents a renewed commitment to fostering accountability, empowering local governance, and ensuring that the resources of the nation are used for the benefit of the people.”

Ghana is counting down to the polls to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) and a President to form the 8th government since the country transitioned to civilian government in the early 90s.