Examining responsiveness of Ghana’s local government system to developmental needs of citizens in the central region.

Abstract

The study examined Ghana’s Local Government System’s responsiveness to the needs of communities in the Central Region. Specifically, the needs of households and communities, the extent of peoples’ participation in development activities, citizens’ perceptions of responsiveness of Cape Coast Metropolitan, Mfantseman Municipal and Twifo Ati-Mokwa District Assemblies to community’s needs, were assessed. Mixed methods approach, a cross sectional and descriptive study design were used. The study adopted multi-stage sampling procedures to sample 1,143 household heads and 79 key informants. Interview schedule, interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used for data collection. The quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions software version 21 while qualitative data used content analysis, transcription and interpretation respectively. Sanitation and roads were among the three priority needs in each district, while the need for market jobs and water were peculiar to CCMA, MMA and TAMDA respectively. Although most of the community needs of each Assembly were congruent with the respective MTDP priorities, they were hardly implemented. A few people and groups participated in needs identification through consultation and information sharing. Most (70%) respondents perceived the Assemblies as generally not very sensitive to local needs while 51 percent were dissatisfied with the speed of response. Access and utilisation of accountability mechanisms were low. Strengthening, the capacity of CCMA, MMA and TAMDA, public sensitisation to raise awareness, and attitudinal change were recommended for promoting responsiveness. These must be done by each assembly with the support of the Local Government Service Secretariat and National Council for Civic Education.