Effects of decentralisation on local level development: A case study of the Yilo Krobo District in Ghana

Abstract

In both developed and developing countries, there has been a contemporary debate on the nature and merits of decentralisation and local government. However, most literature on decentralisation focused more on expectations and discourses than on practices and outcomes. This indicates that a comprehensive empirical rethinking is needed. This study examined the effects of decentralisation on local development in the Yilo Krobo District with specific focus on the capacity of the District Assembly to initiate and implement projects, the extent to which local people have participated in decision making, and the challenges that emerged in the process of completing critical projects. The study employed the mixed research design through the use of interview schedules for 200 community members, 60 Assembly members, and an interview guide for five staff of the Assembly. In all, 265 respondents participated in the study. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 17. The study concluded that delays and restrictions in inflows (central grants) from central governments have affected developmental activities at the local level. Projects initiated and implemented by the Assembly did not meet the critical needs of the local people. It is recommended that the Assembly should provide a domestic framework to promote the participatory formulation, conceptualisation and operationalisation of local development plans.