The promises and realities of Ghana's decentralization: a case study from the Wenchi district of Ghana

Abstract

This article explores the functioning of the decentralized structures in Wenchi district of Ghana with the view of generating deeper insights into the interplay between decentralization outcomes and prevailing social, economic, and cultural realties of the people. Data were collected from both secondary and primary sources. The main findings of the study indicate that sub-district structures do not provide an effective platform for citizen participation. Elections were found to primarily be an instrument for demanding accountability from assembly members. Finally, field services were found not to be responsive to the needs of citizens.

Keywords:

• decentralization
• participation
• accountability
• field administration
• traditional authority

Note on contributors

Samuel Adams is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Service and Governance at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. He has published extensively on African development on issues such as decentralization, privatization, and foreign direct investment. His articles have appeared in journals such as Policy Modeling, Local Government Studies, Social Science Quarterly, and Economic Analysis and Policy. He is currently the Acting Dean of the GIMPA School of Public Service and Governance. He can be contacted at [email protected]

Joseph Taabazuing is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Service and Governance at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. He is a development expert with research interests in rural development, decentralization, and project planning and implementation. He has published in journals such as Local Government Studies, International Journal of Development and Conflict, Environmental Justice, and African Geographical Review. He is currently the Graduate Programmes Coordinator in the School of Public Service and Governance at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. He can be contacted at: [email protected]