Does institutionalising decentralisation work? Rethinking agency, institutions and authority in local governance. A case study of Ntonaboma in Kwahu-North District, Ghana.

This thesis draws on an ethnographic research in Ghana to question mainstream views on decentralisation that local level institutions can be consciously crafted to enlist the participation of marginal actors in governance thereby leading to efficiency and equity in development. The research explores the everyday practice of local governance in Ntonaboma, a resettlement community in the Eastern region of Ghana by using participant observation and interviews. Evidence from the study reveals that first decentralisation is not a technical or managerial exercise but rather a societal practice taking place among heterogeneous actors with diverse interest and values. Secondly, the interactions occurring among these diverse actors are mediated through the interplay of a variety of institutions at the local level. Thirdly, the complex and dynamic character of decentralisation at the community level make the specificities of context very relevant in understanding the transformative potentials of decentralisation especially how it impacts on people and their social organisation. The study places emphasis on the application of agency, institutions and authority in local governance approaches. Evidence from the study suggests that institutionalised decentralisation inadequately provides possibilities for ordinary people to transform the nature of their interactions within the community. The thesis raises further questions about the simplistic and instrumental use of institutions in local governance approaches. The study notes that institutions are not static and do not determine outcomes but are informed by the prevailing conditions at the community level. Thus, the actions of actors and specificities of the locality do shape institutions. The study emphasises the role of existing institutions and socially embedded principles in village governance. It thus suggests that, the process of decentralisation is a political process mediated through diverse institutions and with varied outcomes for different individuals. The study concludes by exploring implications for local governance and decentralisation to making local governance pro-poor

The Impact of Gold Mining on Local Farming Communities in Ghana

The increase in leases for surface gold mining in Ghana between 1983 and 1998 has had drastic consequences for sustainable land use and management in the country. Most of these leases were for surface mining displacing the original owners from large arable land needed for their livelihoods. This situation makes the local people vulnerable to econom-ic uncertainties. The real benefits accruing to the ordinary Ghanaian in these mining communities is simply taken, for granted as monetary compensation is paid to affected community members. Such palliative payments to people displaced by mining activities do not address the existing vulnerabilities of these mining communities. This study looks at the effects of mining on households, but from the perspective of the needs expressed by individuals living in the mining area. Using descriptive survey research design, a total of 90 respondents were sampled for structured interviews. Furthermore, 27 focus group discussions with different demographic and occupational groups were organized in se-lected communities in the Tarkwa, Obuasi, and Kenyasi mining areas of Ghana. The needs of households identified in this study varied and included access to productive lands, education, and basic necessities of life. However, household needs have not trans-lated into higher levels of development as a result of mining. It is recommended that a proper cost benefits analysis be conducted when the potential for mineral mining is dis-covered in any area before the decision to mine. These analyses should go beyond just the economic indicators to social and development indicators, which include more quality of life issues

Understanding Conflict Dynamics: Identifying ‘attractors’ in the Alavanyo - Nkonya Conflict

One of the key attributes of ethnic conflicts is that they could be complex and intractable. Peace-building efforts aimed at resolving ethnic conflicts therefore need to be informed by the interwoven factors that bring dynamism and complexities (intractability) to the conflict. In an exploratory qualitative study of the almost century-old, seemingly intractable Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict in Ghana, a thematic analysis of primary and secondary data revealed some significant elements (attractors) that contribute to the positive and negative dynamics of the conflict. The study identifies four elements that serve as positive attractors (peace factors) and negative attractors (tension factors) in this conflict. These include, conflict management efforts, anonymous killings, communal content over time, and the media. Out of these four, one (anonymous killing) is an outright negative attractor and the other three could serve as positive or negative attractors depending on the time, nature and circumstance under which they manifest. These three are fluid attractors and have shown to be more or less determining of the conflict depending on how they impact the conflict and perceived by conflict parties. Overall, this study finds that the effect of positive attractors have had a greater influence than negative attractors and this could explain why relative calm exists in the area over the course of the conflict. The study concludes that the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict is protracted because of these dynamics and recommends that state agencies and mediators adopt a modified peace-building approach that transforms the conflict, pays attention to original conflict actors and pursue the possibility of amicably setting aside the hurdle of previous court rulings. Keywords: Conflict Dynamics, Ethnic Conflicts, Peace-building, Alavanyo, Nkonya, Ghan

Conflict, peace and development: A spatio-thematic analysis of violent conflicts in Northern Ghana between 2007 and 2013

This study provides in text and in maps the spatial and temporal dynamics of violent conflicts in Northern Ghana focusing on their structure, causes and status. Primary data was collected from identified conflict hotspots to validate secondary information collected from two national dailies. Conflict zones tended to be generally clustered in the eastern corridor of Northern Ghana due the high degree of heterogeneity of ethnic groups and the struggle for recognition and dominance amongst them. The causes of conflicts included ethnicity, chieftaincy, religion, politics, urbanisation, struggles over resources and the fight for recognition. Many of the conflicts recorded remain unresolved. Generally, mediation efforts have only succeeded in yielding short term stability due to emphasis on addressing the triggers rather than the issues under contention. For durable peace in northern Ghana, the government and civil society groups must pay greater attention to the structural factors that shape these conflicts. The National House of Chiefs must codify customs and practices and usages in relation to heirs to positions of authority. Land titling has to be expedited by the state to establish boundaries to reduce land related conflicts

Factors influencing household energy choices in the Kumasi Metropolitan area of Ghana: Factors influencing household energy choices in the Kumasi Metropolitan area of Ghana

Reforms in the energy sector are expected to bring about essential efciency gains, which could result in energy diversifcation and welfare improvements among households. However, there are other unintended social and environmental consequences associated with the process. One signifcant social concern is the likely impact on how low-income families access new energy. The study used a cross-sectional design to undertake a comparative analysis of domestic energy choices. Data was collected from 405 households’ decision makers. An interview schedule and a guide were used for the data collection. The results showed that modern fuels are by far the most predominant source of energy for high and medium class residential households in Kumasi. However, residents in low-class areas preferred to use biomass fuel as their primary energy choice. Contextual variations revealed that general factors such as afordability and accessibility of energy source were exogenous determinants of energy choice. The fndings of the study also lend support to the energy ladder hypothesis that household income is a signifcant determinant of household energy choice. Further, social and demographic factors are critical determinants of cooking fuel type in residential zones. The study recommends the promotion of modern fuels through developing dependable energy distribution systems, and public education campaigns by the Energy Commission of Ghana