President John Dramani Mahama has called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to actively engage traditional leaders, religious bodies, and civil society organisations to rebuild the social contract between government and citizens.

Addressing participants at an orientation and training programme for MMDCEs on Wednesday, 18th June, the President underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory governance in deepening local accountability and legitimacy.

“I therefore urge you to work with the chiefs, the religious bodies in the district, and civil society to restore the social contract with our people,” he stated.

President Mahama explained that state authority should not rely solely on constitutional provisions but also be rooted in the day-to-day realities and needs of ordinary citizens.

“The legitimacy and authority of the state must be found not only in law but in the experience of our people,” he added.

The call forms part of the President’s broader decentralisation agenda aimed at strengthening grassroots development and restoring faith in local governance structures.