Decentralization: Improving Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ghana Case Study

摘要

In 1988, Ghana passed legislation that established a program of political andadministrative decentralization to the district level. The report evaluates the impact of the program to date. Research and interviews were conducted in three rural districts which were created as a result of the 1988 decentralization law -- Asante Akim South in the Ashanti region, Bongo in the Upper East region, and North Tongu in the Volta region. Information is provided on the districts' governmental processes and health and educaton departments. The report concludes that Ghana's program of decentralization is well-intentioned but has not gone far enough in devolving true authority to rural populations and their local government units. Due to a lack of resources, district governments are currently incapable of delivering goods and services. Funds raised from local taxes have been spent on bureaucratic structures, and virtually none have gone toward services.