Context
Notwithstanding the successful advancement of the decentralisation process in Ghana over the past 20 years, there are still challenges to be faced. On the national level, particular emphasis must be put on the inconsistent legal and political framework, insufficient levels of public accountability, the largely centralised management of human resources, and an inadequate institutional environment.
According to the constitution, local governments are responsible for the provision of public services. Furthermore, non-state actors have to be involved both in planning and budget processes, and in the execution of measures. However, district authorities are still only partially successful when it comes to adequately performing their tasks and appropriately providing public services. Public pressure for accountability is low and the influence of civil society is marginal.
Objective
Conditions favouring effective local governance on the district level have improved. The districts carry out their tasks in an efficient and effective manner and in the interests of the population. Women and disadvantaged groups, and civil society as a whole participate in decision making processes.
Approach
The programme takes a multi-level, multi-stakeholder approach, advising both state and non-state actors on matters of political, administrative and financial devolution. Based on successful examples, the programme is developing innovative solutions in 40 districts. In doing so, and through sustained exchanges with state and non-state actors, it supports the development and implementation of policy and strategic guidelines for the decentralisation process. It also encourages knowledge transfer and the formation of networks. Experiences gained at the local level are fed into the national policy process.
One of the keys to the programme’s success is the way it collaborates closely with its partners as they carry out their demanding tasks. Endurance and consulting experience are essential requirements in this political working environment.
Results
The programme supported the development of a national decentralisation policy which has since been passed by the Ghanaian Government. This included:
• the adoption of a law on the integration of non-concentrated line ministries
• advice on the development of a revision handbook, on studies on the financial administration of local governments, and on tasks of fiscal devolution
• measures related to the organisational development of institutions involved at national and local levels, as well as training workshops for their staff, for instance on budget planning and monitoring
• support for the generation of public revenues, for example through the introduction of local taxes and public levies
• advice on establishing an urban development strategy and policy, in cooperation with neighbouring African countries
• support for civil society organisations and the local media to encourage comprehensive and informed participation by the people in political decision making processes.
Sustainable urban development has found its way onto the government agenda, while spatial planning is now considered indispensable. Connected to this, a system has been devised for the designation of streets and for registering plots of land. This is to be implemented nationwide.