Civil Society Organisation Advocacy and National Development A Mixed-Method Study in the Greater Accra and Western Regions of Ghana

Abstract

The views of a sample of inhabitants of the Greater Accra and Western Regions of Ghana were used in this mixed-method study on how  civil society organisations’ (CSOs) advocacy contributes to national development. The alternative development theory informed the study. Data was obtained from 321 inhabitants using questionnaires, an interview schedule, and focus group discussions. The mean, standard  deviation, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA tests were used for the quantitative analysis, whilst content analysis was done on the qualitative data. The study found that despite the challenges faced by CSOs in Ghana, they contribute to national development in areas  including education, health, governance, and gender equality through dialogue, campaigns, policy briefs, and other advocacy activities. Also, the participation of CSOs in meetings and discussions with state actors and non-state actors is perceived as being generally  effective. However, the contribution of CSO advocacy to national development is low in the areas of agriculture, employment, and  security. Concerns about CSO advocacy in Ghana include the reactionary nature of CSO advocacy, ineffective use of social media and the  courts of law for advocacy. The overall level of effectiveness of CSO advocacy to national development is perceived to be low. However,  significant differences exist in the views of respondents from the two regions on the effectiveness of CSO advocacy strategies. CSOs  should vigorously diversify their advocacy activities to include agriculture, employment creation, and national security issues, which are  also important to national development. Finally, CSOs should train their employees on how to effectively use social media and other  digital communication tools to influence social change.