The Volta Regional Minister has issued a passionate call to the newly sworn-in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to serve with humility, integrity, and a firm commitment to transformative grassroots leadership.

The ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, marked a pivotal moment as the new local government leaders officially took their oaths of office, secrecy, and allegiance.

The Minister emphasised that the appointment of the MMDCEs is not merely a position of privilege but a sacred responsibility to serve the people of the Volta Region.

"You have taken your oath of office, secrecy, and allegiance. You are not just assuming a position. Rather, you have accepted a sacred responsibility to serve the good people of the Volta Region," the Minister declared.

He reminded the new leaders of the powerful message delivered by former President John Dramani Mahama at a recent Executive Leadership Retreat for ministers.

“This is a legacy term. History will remember us not for the position we held, but the lives we touched and the communities we transformed,” the Minister quoted, stressing that leadership must now be measured by tangible impact and selfless service.

With only five years remaining to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Minister cautioned against business as usual.

“Gone are the days of conventional approaches. The times before you demand that you think differently and act boldly. We must think outside the box to address the complex challenges facing our districts and municipalities,” he urged.

He further referenced the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s 2024 manifesto, which is anchored on decentralized development and local empowerment.

“This vision can only become a reality through your dedication and innovative leadership at the grassroots level,” he noted.

The Minister charged the MMDCEs to lead with humility and approachability, emphasising that “the era of arrogant leadership is over.

” He encouraged them to engage with diverse groups in their communities, including market women, farmers, hawkers, and the youth, to truly understand their needs and concerns.

Underscoring the importance of accountability, he reminded them that public funds are sacred resources.

“Every cedi generated must translate into visible improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure for our people,” he stated. He encouraged the MMDCEs to explore innovative revenue-generating avenues such as eco-tourism and strategic partnerships with local businesses and international organisations.

“The United Nations Youth General Assembly stands ready to collaborate with us. Let us harness these opportunities to engage our vibrant youth population in achieving our development targets,” he added.

In a metaphorical appeal, he said, “Let us not focus on fingerprints, but footprints. Fingerprints show our identity, but footprints leave our legacy for generations yet unborn.”

He also posed critical questions to challenge the new MMDCEs: “Will you have established youth-led agribusiness hubs that create sustainable employment? Will your procurement processes be models of transparency and efficiency? Will your municipalities run on 100% renewable energy in public schools?”

Supporting the Minister's call, the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Augustus Awity offered a sobering reminder about the nature of leadership.

“It is not everybody that will like you, and I'm happy about the fact that some of you never obtained 100%. It is an indication that you need to engage with the people," he said.

He stressed that whether or not an MMDCE received unanimous support, constant engagement with the people remains vital.

On behalf of the newly sworn-in officials, Steven Adom delivered a brief but firm acceptance speech.

“It is a challenge that has been thrown to us, and we assure you that we will not let our party and the people of this Republic down. We have accepted the responsibility and everything that goes with it.”

Among the new MMDCEs, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, Mr. Wisdom Bondieu Seade, pledged to prioritise stakeholder engagement in the execution of developmental projects.

“I will engage with traditional and religious leaders to spearhead projects in the municipality for the benefit of all,” he stated.

The ceremony concluded with a collective sense of purpose and urgency as the MMDCEs embark on a journey to translate policy into practical, people-centered development.

As the Volta Region positions itself at the forefront of local governance transformation, the spotlight now rests on the actions and legacies these leaders will leave behind.