Rethinking water reform policies as a ‘wicked problem’ the case of urban water supply in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Based on the theory of ‘wicked problem’ this paper investigates the causes of unsuccessful reform of urban water utilities in Accra, Ghana. The authors of this paper argue that reforms based only on managerial perspectives are not enough. Taking into account institutional and social issues is a key for the success of such reforms. Donors and international agencies lack such outlook and therefore fail to develop effective water policy reforms in developing countries generally. The paper discusses inter-twined and multi-dimensional institutional constraints that hinder the development of an appropriate approach to water utility reform in Accra.

KEYWORDS:

• Wicked problem
• complexity
• public–private partnership
• policy reform
• quasi-state
• dual wickedness

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.