Assessing the Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation Practice at the Local Level in Ghana. A Study of the Amenfi Central District

Abstract

The increase in demand for greater accountability and the quest for evidence-based policies have made governments across the world to step up efforts regarding monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of programmes and projects. In order to ensure judicious use of resources and good governance at the local levels, government must ensure accountability, improve co-ordination and reduce corruption. This study examine the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation activities on the performance of Wassa Amenfi Central District Assembly. The study adopted the exploratory research design. Case study approach as a research design was also used. Institutions were interviewed to support the secondary data from literature. The study revealed that institutions such as NDPC, DPCU, are responsible for undertaken M&E in the district. DPCU carry out M&E with the active participation of other stakeholders. It was revealed that CDA has outlined their M&E procedures and they were functional. Inadequate financial and human resources were challenges faced by M&E. Lack of an effective communication strategy to inform policy development and planning is also a challenge of monitoring and evaluation in ACDA. Based on the challenges, the study recommended that the implementing agencies or units of various development programs should consider it imperative to specifically make human, budgetary and material resources allocations for M&E. There should also be regular supervision of M&E system by RCC and NDPC. Capacity building plan, program review schedules and reflection plans are developed and followed as done for the other core tools when setting up an M&E system for the Assembly.