Public-Private Partnership for Improved Service Delivery in Ghana: A Case Study of the Intercity STC Coaches Limited

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the implementation of the public-private partnership (PPP) of the Intercity STC Coaches Limited (ISTC), and how it has impacted on service delivery. An exploratory qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. Key respondents were purposively selected for the part of the Intercity STC Coaches Limited and their partners, while clients of ISTC were randomly selected and primary data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. Also, secondary data regarding the operations of “alliance” buses were further subjected to a thorough analysis. The key findings of the study show that the PPP of the Intercity STC Coaches Limited takes the form of franchising and strategic partnering. The existing features of the two make it difficult to clearly classify the nature of the public-private partnership. The study further unearthed that, PPP has helped the Intercity STC Coaches Limited to increase the number of their fleets, though it is considered as still inadequate based on the increasing demand from Intercity STC Coaches Limited clients. The major challenges that affect the effective implementation of the partnership are the management of the drivers by Intercity STC Coaches Limited, the inability of some partners to meet the full obligations of contracts, and the non-adherence on the part of the Intercity STC Coaches Limited to keep to their dedicated routes. The study therefore recommends that, to ensure that the private partners comply with the terms of the contracts, there should be a form of bonding fee which the private firms will be required to pay once they default in meeting the deadline of the agreement. Also, Intercity STC Coaches Limited should look for more investors to procure additional buses for them to meet the growing demand of their clients.