Of DCEs and avoiding executive pitfalls

In the non-profit and government sectors, CEOs focus on specific outcomes. These include providing infrastructure, reducing poverty, and improving service delivery.

District Chief Executive as CEO

The Local Governance Act of 2016 (Act 936) establishes the District Chief Executive (DCE) position. This title covers Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives in Ghana.

A DCE manages the daily executive and administrative functions of the District Assembly. They provide strategic leadership within guidelines set by the General Assembly.

This article offers insights to help DCEs start strong and avoid pitfalls. As stated in John 2:1, “I am writing this to you so that you may not sin.” Similarly, I urge DCEs to avoid executive pitfalls.

Many expect a new government to transform their lives. The impact is clear when District Assemblies respond effectively through quality leadership from DCEs. Thus, the success of Assemblies reflects the central government's success.

Challenges of the New Position

New appointees often wonder how to perform effectively in their roles. Early stages can be vulnerable due to unfamiliarity with established relationships and job details.

New Chief Executives may struggle with legal nuances and organizational structures. Resource constraints can also frustrate efforts to deliver essential services.

Learning Curve and Needs Assessment

New leaders must assess their learning needs for future success. DCEs should learn about their systems, people, and culture deliberately. Their effectiveness relies heavily on staff support.

Building productive working relationships is crucial for gaining staff commitment. Management meetings and staff durbars can help engage employees more closely.

Before making changes, DCEs should observe existing systems first. Understanding dynamics allows for strategic and sustainable changes later.

Managing Perceptions as a New DCE

Newly appointed DCEs may have various perceptions upon taking office. It’s wise not to criticize past achievements or current states negatively.

Instead, they should ask questions like “How did we get here?” This encourages reflection among management teams for collaborative solutions.

Failing to understand an organization can lead to premature decisions that undermine credibility. Such actions may cause staff to withhold information, leading to poor decisions.

Governance Systems in the District Assembly

The governance system in District Assemblies resembles private institutions like Ghana Commercial Bank. Residents are the owners; Assembly Members act as Board Directors; Presiding Members serve as Board Chairs; Coordinating Directors function as Company Secretaries; and DCEs are CEOs.

The Executive Committee acts as the Assembly's cabinet. The DCE leads but derives authority from Assembly Members accountable to residents.

Translating Intentions into Projects

Implementing plans from a Chief Executive is often challenging due to procedures required by District Assemblies. Projects must first be included in the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP).

They must then be selected for inclusion in annual action plans approved by the General Assembly. Items need budgeting within the Composite Budget too.

Due to these processes, new DCEs have limited chances to introduce projects immediately. A smart approach is supporting existing plans while preparing for future initiatives during budget preparations for 2026-2029 MTDP.

DCEs can meet community expectations only if development aspirations are addressed properly. Planning teams engage community members for input into preparation processes during familiarization tours across districts.

Without following these steps, it will be hard for DCEs’ intentions or plans to succeed regardless of their quality.

Recommendations

DCEs should avoid coming with ready-made solutions for challenges faced by Assemblies. Instead, they should build consensus with management and staff who possess valuable knowledge and experience.

Strictly observing approval processes ensures proper implementation of actions taken by Assemblies without overstepping boundaries.

DCEs must refrain from undertaking projects outside Annual Action Plans or budgets since payments won’t be permitted under GIFMIS regulations.

Using existing administrative structures helps execute mandates efficiently while avoiding conflicts.

DCEs should remain focused despite pressing demands that arise daily without losing sight of their action plan.

Coordinating Directors and staff must remain loyal while executing duties professionally alongside DCE objectives.

Many District Chief Executives enter office with genuine motives aimed at advancing community development but risk regret if they ignore early signs of pitfalls.