Department of Public Administration and Health Service Management
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Item Community participation in enterprise development programmes for poverty reduction and sustainable development in Ghana(Community Development, 2023) Nordjo, E.; Ahenkan, A.; Boadu, E.S.To trickle down poverty in rural areas, development partners and national governments have instituted enterprise development programs which call for the establishment of some participatory frameworks to enable rural entrepreneurs determine for themselves the exact Business Development Service (BDS) they desire to bring about economic improvement and social change. In ensuring that the concept of participation is not merely a wish list, the article modified Choguill’s ladder of community participation as a de facto lens to examine whether “participation” really exists in these programmes by drawing on evidence from the Rural Enterprises Programme (REP) in Ghana. Using qualitative, in-depth interviews grounded in a single case study design (REP), the study observed that despite the existence of structures that appear to involve entrepreneurs at all stages of the decision-making process, beneficiaries think otherwise. Notwithstanding, some context and power-induced factors were identified to have accounted for these discrepancies.Item Collective learning and COVID-19 mitigation in Ghana(Review of Policy Research, 2021) Osei-Kojo, A.; Ahenkan, A.; Kenney, P.L.; Damoah, C.M.COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty and disruption among governments and people acrossthe globe. Policy studies present various theoretical frameworks that allow scholars and practitioners to make sense of these developments in a structured and systematic fashion. In this paper, we combined the collective learning framework with documentary data and process tracing analysis to describe, first, the features of the COVID-19 collective learning setting in Ghana. Next, we explored the linkages among learning processes, learning products, and COVID-19 mitigation. We found that diverse policy actors operated at distinct levels of government and performed different functions in managing the pandemic. Furthermore, we confirmed all three phases of learning (acquisition, translation, and dissemination) in Ghana's context. Lastly, policies such as public grooming management, mandatory mask-wearing, partial lockdown, and fiscal and tax reliefs enabled the government to mitigate the pandemic's impact on people. We conclude by highlighting the implications of these findings for policy learning scholarshipItem The Dynamic Relationship Between Economic Globalisation, Institutional Quality, And Ecological Footprint: Evidence From Ghana(The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, 2022) Amegavi, G.B.; Ahenkan, A.; Buabeng, T.; Langnel, Z.Research on the relationship between globalisation and the environment tends to focus on on the direct effect of globalisation, rarely considering the role of institutions. This paper introduces insights from political economy, which suggests that environmental sustainability models would be greatly improved if institutions are considered. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the relationship between economic globalisation, bureaucratic quality, and ecological footprint in Ghana for the period 1984–2016. The long-run analysis is based on the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bound testing approach to cointegration. The result supports the hypothesis that expansion in economic globalization has a reducing effect on environmental quality. Bureaucratic quality appears to exert a significant positive effect on ecological footprint. Furthermore, the estimation shows that the quality of institutions is critical for environmental quality. Based on the results, the paper presents some policy recommendations.Item Understanding Policy Framework For Slum Governance In A Developing Country(International Journal of Public Leadership, 2022) Agyabeng, A.N.; Bawole, J.N.; Ahenkan, A.; et al.Purpose: Slum discourse has attracted significant research interest among scholars. The study examined the policy framework for slum governance in Ghana with the goal of offering recommendations to structure slum management. Design/methodology/approach – Anchored on exploratory qualitative methodology, the study utilized a purposive sampling technique to select 18 respondents from the major ministries for in-depth interviews. Findings: The results showed an absence of a central national policy for slum governance because slums development has received less national priority. It also revealed a lack of coordination among the sector ministries in policy formulation, which tends to create a blame game among them. Further, it was found that slum programs are driven by media, political and non-governmental actors. Research limitations and implications: The conclusion and the outcome of this study cannot be generalized as to represent the whole ministries in Ghana in the space of slums management due to the qualitative approach. A recommendation is offered for the creation of a separate authority to take charge of the slums in Ghana. Practical implications: This study elucidates a context-specific understanding of the policy framework for slum governance, which tends to shape public knowledge and policy landscape. Originality/value: As a novelty, the findings of the study advanced the sparse literature in the domain and at the same time, helped politicians and policymakers understand the need for a dedicated policy for slumsItem External stakeholders in the governance of slums in Ghana(Social Responsibility Journal, 2023) Agyabeng, A.N.; Bawole, J.N.; Ahenkan, A.; Mensah, J.K.; Preko, A.Purpose – In the space of slums are many stakeholders; the extent to which their assistance contributes to slum administration is sparsely studied. The study aims to examine how external stakeholders contribute to slum administration within the Ghanaian context. Design/methodology/approach – Using the stakeholder theory, the study used an exploratory qualitative design based on face-to-face, in-depth interviews among 21 respondents. Participants were purposively selected from stakeholder organisations and slum residents based on the stake in slums governance in Ghana. Findings – The results indicate that stakeholders have contributed towards slums livelihoods in the general areas of housing, trading, skill development and capacity building. It shows that stakeholders’ contributions tend to enhance slums’ living conditions and affect local assemblies positively. The study finds that slum dwellers categorise stakeholders’ contributions as short-term relief and long-term solutions. Additionally, it emerged that in the areas of policy design, implementation and policy feedback, external stakeholders have supported the government in that regard. Research limitations/implications – The conclusion drawn from the study is limited to the four communities and the stakeholder organisations. However, communities with similar characteristics globally might benefit from the findings. Practical implications – The study uncovers a context-specific role and assistance of external stakeholders in the domain of slums. This provides a guide to the government regarding key areas of stakeholder collaboration towards slum governance in the Ghanaian context. Theoretically, this study has contributed to new knowledge about stakeholders’ contribution to the overall governance of slums. Originality/value – The study expands the frontiers of knowledge in the field of slum administration by focusing on external stakeholders. This study departs from previous studies, which have examined, in broader perspectives, stakeholders’ roles within the space of slums.Item External stakeholders in the governance of slums in Ghana(Social Responsibility Journal, 2023) Agyabeng, A.N.; Bawole, J.N.; Ahenkan, A.; Mensah, J.K.; Preko, A.Purpose – In the space of slums are many stakeholders; the extent to which their assistance contributes to slum administration is sparsely studied. The study aims to examine how external stakeholders contribute to slum administration within the Ghanaian context. Design/methodology/approach – Using the stakeholder theory, the study used an exploratory qualitative design based on face-to-face, in-depth interviews among 21 respondents. Participants were purposively selected from stakeholder organisations and slum residents based on the stake in slums governance in Ghana. Findings – The results indicate that stakeholders have contributed towards slums livelihoods in the general areas of housing, trading, skill development and capacity building. It shows that stakeholders’ contributions tend to enhance slums’ living conditions and affect local assemblies positively. The study finds that slum dwellers categorise stakeholders’ contributions as short-term relief and long-term solutions. Additionally, it emerged that in the areas of policy design, implementation and policy feedback, external stakeholders have supported the government in that regard. Research limitations/implications – The conclusion drawn from the study is limited to the four communities and the stakeholder organisations. However, communities with similar characteristics globally might benefit from the findings. Practical implications – The study uncovers a context-specific role and assistance of external stakeholders in the domain of slums. This provides a guide to the government regarding key areas of stakeholder collaboration towards slum governance in the Ghanaian context. Theoretically, this study has contributed to new knowledge about stakeholders’ contribution to the overall governance of slums. Originality/value – The study expands the frontiers of knowledge in the field of slum administration by focusing on external stakeholders. This study departs from previous studies, which have examined, in broader perspectives, stakeholders’ roles within the space of slums.Item Vertical accountability among ministries of state in an emerging economy: A case study of Ghana(Cogent Business & Management, 2023) Acheampong, J.O.; Dzordzormenyoh, M.K.; Bawole, J.N.; Ahenkan, A.; Sakyi, E.K.Since 1992, Ghana has implemented several initiatives and reforms such as the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACAP), Right to Information (RTI) Act, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) with the goal of improving accountability while reducing corruption. These policies provide researchers with a lot of opportunities to examine how effective these programs have been as well as their impact on accountability. Hence, the present study seeks to accomplish three main objectives: 1) to explore the factors that facilitate vertical accountability; 2) to explore the limitations to vertical accountability; and 3) to investigate the benefits of vertical accountability in Ghana. To accomplish these objectives, we interviewed twenty directors in seven ministries of state and ten experts across civil society and academia in Ghana. We found that the disclosure of financial income, assets, and interest, the Right to Information (RTI) Act; merit-based recruitment, proper record keeping, performance-based evaluation, training and development, the absence of corruption, and conflicts of interest are major drivers of vertical accountability in Ghana. Additionally, we found that the presence of corruption, nepotism/patron-clientelism, conflict of interest, a lack of political commitment and participation, inadequate resources, and weak complaint and accountability mechanisms limit vertical accountability. Finally, the benefits of vertical accountability include improvements in openness and fairness, effective and efficient utilization of scarce resources, integrity, and trust. These results were extensively discussed, while recommendations for future studies were proffered.Item Understanding electricity nightmare and health implications among slum dwellers in Ghana(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2022) Agyabeng, A.N.; Ahwireng, P.O.; Bawole, J.N.; Mickson, M.K.; Ahenkan, A.Purpose – The purpose of the study was to examine the electricity challenges confronting slums in order to understand the health implications thereof. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized purposive sampling techniques supported by the convenience sampling method within the context of qualitative research to select 30 interviewees of varying demographics for in-depth interviews. Findings – The findings revealed that slums faced various forms of challenges that are attributable to lack of government support, stringent procedures and financial hardship, among others. The study also found that a lack of health education in the slums has resulted in health problems, such as skin diseases, stomach aches, cholera, typhoid and childbirth complications. Research limitations/implications – The outcome of this study cannot be generalized to represent the whole population of slums within context due to the qualitative approach. Practical implications – The study advanced the frontiers of slum literature to understand contextual issues that are important to policymakers and practitioners. Originality/value – This study revealed a country-specific understanding of the challenges confronting slum dwellers in accessing electricity through the perspective of the two-factor theory of motivation.Item Mainstreaming climate change adaptation into pro-poor development initiatives: evidence from local economic development programmes in Ghana(Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Ahenkan, A.; Chutab, D.N.; Boon, E.K.Climate change remains a serious threat to climate sensitive pro-poor development interventions in the Pru District of Ghana. This study examined how climate change impacts on Local Economic Development (LED) interventions, the extent to which climate change adaptation (CCA) initiatives are integrated into LED and the challenges associated with the mainstreaming process. Qualitative research design and purposive sampling was used to collect data from 28 respondents at the Pru District Assembly with an interview guide. The results show that climate change adversely affects the following LED programmes; beekeeping, micro-credit for agricultural development programme, and fishing net and outboard motor programmes. The findings further indicate that climate-smart Agriculture, aquaculture (Fish Cage Culture) and Sustainable natural resource utilization and management the CCA initiatives mainstreamed into pro-poor LED in the Pru District to reduce the inevitable impacts of climate change. The study identified multifaceted challenges militating against CCA mainstreaming in the District to include inadequate resources for CCA, inactive stakeholder and institutional collaboration, and lack of continuity of CCA programmes. This paper recommends strong government support for CCA programmes, commitment of adequate resources and effective stakeholder and institutional collaboration. The paper concludes that effective integration of CCA into pro-poor LED is a panacea to achieving sustainable local development.Item Renewable energy consumption in Africa: Evidence froma bias corrected dynamic panel(Renewable energy consumption in Africa: Evidence froma bias corrected dynamic panel, 2021) Baye, R.S.; Olper, A.; Ahenkan, A.; Musah-Surugu, I.J.; Anuga, S.W.; Darkwah, S.Our study investigates the determinants of renewable energy consumption in Sub-Sahara Africa. We explore the driving factors of renewable energy consumption in the context of carbon intensity for 32 Sub-Saharan African countries from1990 to 2015. Using carbon emission intensity to identify group-specific heterogeneity,we recognize carbon-efficient and least carbon-efficient countries in the region. By relying on the corrected least squares dummy variable estimator (LSDVC), we provide evidence on the driving factors of renewable energy consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, the findings point to varying degrees of impact on renewable energy consumption inthe region. For instance,we observe advancement intechnology, quality of governance, economic progress, biomass consumption, and climatic conditions influence renewable energy consumption. With a common occurrence across all groups, the implications indicate environmental, socio-economic, and climatic factors playing an important role in renewable energy consumption. The study further shows that urbanization and economic globalization depress efforts towards renewable energy consumption. Apart from these common factors, other controlling variables including; GDP per capita, environmental awareness, and biomass affect each group differently.We conclude that, policy implications can be drawn from common factors towards harmonization of clean energymarkets and developing a policy mix that combines environmental, economic, and social factors in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.