Promoting effective local participation in local decision-makingprocesses: Perspectives from sub-district structures in Karaga District, Ghana

Abstract

The aims of decentralisation in Ghana are consistent with views that decentralisationpromotes good governance, increases community participation, and enhances local development. Consequently, decentralisation is purposed to stimulate meaningful local engagement in  needs-based government development agenda-making at thelocal level. This notwithstanding, local communities’ involvement in local government decision-making remains marginal. This paper examined the spacefor community participation in decision-making within  the Karaga District of Ghana. Theresults of concurrent mixed methods in a cross-sectional study, showthat nonfunctional local structures,  inadequate staff, and inadequate logistics criticallychallenged local community involvement in decision-making. The study  recommends an essential rethinking of this process in ways that offer opportunities for adeliberate strengthening of the capacities of  local structures to undertake their responsibilities. Appropriate strengthening strategies and logistics are requiredtobuild capacities for  effective performance. Raising local inhabitants’ awareness of the relevance of public policy for communal development would also help  prevent parochial partisan considerations from working against overall communityaspirations.