Effects of Decentralization on Local Level Development (a Case Study of the Yilo Krobo District in Ghana)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this research is to systematically investigate the effects of decentralization on local-level development, focusing on the specific case of the Yilo Krobo District in Ghana. To achieve this overarching goal, the study aims to accomplish the following specific objectives:
- To assess the extent to which decentralization has contributed to improvements in local-level development in the Yilo Krobo District.
- To analyze the allocation and utilization of resources, both financial and human, at the local level following the decentralization process, and evaluate their impact onthe district’s development outcomes.
- To examine the influence of decentralization on local governance structures and citizen participation in decision-making processes, in Yilo Krobo District
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
DEFINING PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN GHANA
The Ghanaian political heads of state, from the first president, Kwame Nkrumah (1957) to John Evans Atta-Mills (2009) have different leadership skills that affirm the diverse administrative styles of public administrators. This non-surprisingly diverse nature in public administration is normative in its definition focusing mainly on public interest (King and Chilton, 2009). Each one of the leaders, including those not mentioned in this paper, has had his fair share of public criticisms of maladministration given their administrative styles, yet all of them are more likely to vow that their actions were in the interest of the public. Ghana, a country of only 54 years of political freedom, gaining political independence from the British colonial rule, has had four different constitutions; however, 21 out of the 54 years of the country was ruled under military decrees1 leaving only 33 years of constitutional administration in Ghana. The literature on public administration and its definition has different interpretations of the field (Stillman, 2010; King and Chilton, 2009). Public administrators are engaged in technicalities but unfortunately, some Ghanaians, if not most of them, lack the knowledge to fully comprehend the role of public administrators. Moreover, Ghanaians are not alone as “empirical descriptions from an external perspective,” studies have shown that “no one really sees the big picture” in its definition (King and Chilton, 2009: 29, 1). One can therefore argue that a lot of the citizens do not understand the details of the legal duties of their leaders operations. In addition to budgetary preparations and job classifications, public administrators are equally concerned with the development of human resources and achieving the goals of the people. Public administration, like any other academic discipline, is not isolated but intertwined “with the critical dilemmas confronting an entire society”. Its diverse nature makes it difficult for ordinary Ghanaians who are not part of an administration to focus on the goals of that administration if those goals are not clearly defined. Many studies including, but not limited to, King and Chilton (2009), Grover Starling (2001), McSuite (2002), William (1995), Robert (1995) and James and Donald (1996), for decades have offered different definitions of public administration (Stillman, 2010: 2 – 4). Cropf (2008: 8), citing Dwight Waldo, also agrees “no single, and authoritative definition of public administration is possible”. For example, Grover (1998: 10) stated that public administration is the process by which resources are marshaled and then used to cope with the problems facing a political community, but David (1986: 6) sees it as “the use of managerial, political and legal theories and processes to fulfill legislative, executive and judicial governmental mandates for the provision of regulatory and service functions for the society as a whole or for some segments of it”. Leonard (1955: 3), considered as one of the pioneers in the field, has a broader definition. He defines it as “consisting of all those operations having for their purpose the fulfillment or enforcement of public policy”. Given the complexities of leadership and public administration in Ghana, it becomes more confusing if the administration of local communities is laid only on the shoulders of the central government. The logical definition of public administration, the author argues, is derived from differing understanding of sagacity or different premises.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain effects of decentralization on local level development (a case study of the yilo krobo district in Ghana). In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing effects of decentralization on local level development
Summary
This study was on effects of decentralization on local level development (a case study of the yilo krobo district in Ghana). Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the environmental factors that distort learning and academic performance of secondary school students in Nigeria, to determine the possible ways of enhancing the academic performance of the secondary school students in Nigeria and to establish the general perceptions of the Nigerian secondary school students towards environmental pollution and its effects on their academic performance.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected residents in Yilo krobo district in Ghana. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of decentralization as a tool for promoting local-level development. It demonstrates that while decentralization has made significant strides in the Yilo Krobo District, it is not without challenges and disparities. The findings should serve as a foundation for further research and a basis for policy recommendations that aim to refine decentralization strategies, enhance local development, and foster greater equity and inclusion in the Yilo Krobo District and other regions facing similar challenges.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the effects of decentralization on local-level development in the Yilo Krobo District in Ghana, several recommendations can be made to enhance the outcomes of the decentralization process and promote more equitable and sustainable development in the district. These recommendations encompass policy measures, community engagement, and capacity-building efforts:
- Review and Refine Resource Allocation:The district authorities should regularly review and refine the allocation of financial and human resources to ensure that they are optimally utilized. Implement clear guidelines and performance metrics for resource allocation to prioritize projects and initiatives with the greatest developmental impact.
- Promote Inclusive Development:To address disparities in development benefits, policymakers should design and implement targeted programs and projects to promote inclusive development, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations. These initiatives should address healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for these groups.
- Enhance Community Participation:Encourage and support active community involvement in the decision-making process. Local assemblies should establish mechanisms for collecting input from residents and ensure that community concerns are addressed in development planning and implementation
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