Former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who served under the immediate past government of President Nana Akufo-Addo have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the payment of their end-of-service benefits.

In a letter dated December 15 and addressed to the President, the former officials said they were facing hardship and asked for relief on humanitarian grounds, especially as the Christmas season approaches.

The appeal was made on behalf of the former MMDCEs by Leo-Nelson Adzidogah, former Municipal Chief Executive for Akatsi South.

In the letter, he said, “On behalf of the former MMDCEs who served under the immediate past government of President Nana Akufo-Addo, I respectfully wish to appeal to your high office to kindly find space to accommodate the payment of our End of Service Benefits on your high priority list.”

The former MMDCEs acknowledged the financial pressures facing the government and said they held no resentment over the delay in payment.

“We know that your hands are full in terms of payment of outstanding bills. We therefore do not hold any grudge against you on account of the delay in payment of the benefit,” the letter stated.

However, they described the impact of the delay on their personal lives and appealed directly to the President for support.

“We are on our knees, fervently praying and appealing to you to consider our humble plea on humanitarian grounds so that our claims can be paid to give us relief in our current predicament."

The letter also reminded the President of previous practice, noting that an incoming government usually paid end-of-service benefits.

According to the former MMDCEs, a similar payment was made in 2017 when President Akufo-Addo assumed office.

“I humbly want to crave your kind indulgence to draw your attention to the payment of the service benefits to the MMDCEs who served in your first term by President Akufo-Addo in 2017. This payment was done within six months of coming to power,” the letter said.

They further explained that it is “an established practice that it is always the succeeding government that pays the benefits to the former MMDCEs because it is practically not possible for the outgoing government to sort out the claims for payment because of the transitional issues.”

In a renewed appeal, the former MMDCEs asked the President to consider their situation ahead of the festive season.

“I humbly once again wish to crave your highest indulgence to give a favourable consideration to our humble plea so that we can be sorted out to enable us to enjoy the Christmas season with our families,” the letter added.

The group also welcomed comments made by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, describing them as reassuring.

“We take delight in the sympathy and concern expressed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for our plights as former MMDCEs and sincerely hope that you will be kindly touched and demonstrate your usual kindness, humanity and love for us,” the letter said.