The Role of Mental Models in the Public Policy Decision-making Process: The Case Study of Ghana

Abstract

Whether in developed, transitioning, or developing countries, the public  policy decision-making process poses a challenge, and in some cases contributes to a bellicose relationship between government and civil society. For instance, Africa is faced with a tedious experience marred by consistent failure to implement just, and indeed, popular public policy decisionmaking mechanisms. Two reasons are commonly attributed to this failure. Firstly, lack of capacity by government leadership, and secondly, lack of political will; both are cited as intrinsic components of this failure. Researchers and political commentators alike are reiterative in their convincing arguments that  democratic governance, power, and inter-organisational relationships are the pivots that ensure a successful public policy decision-making process