The SDG 1 and the Path Dependence of Institutional Development: The Case of the Productive Safety Net Project in Ghana

Abstract

The SDGs we know today have its origin from the concept of Sustainable Development, which was first developed at the 1972 United Nations Conference. This set the pace for further discussion on the concept to expand it through a series of summits. Nevertheless, the global community was more focused on environmental issues, hence neglecting poverty reduction. However, the 1995 Copenhagen summit became the turning point for making poverty reduction a priority at the global stage, with the introduction of social protection. As a result, this set the foundation for the inclusion of social protection as a poverty reduction tool within the MDGs and SDGs. This is evident in the Ghanaian case, as Ghana has adopted social interventions such as GSOP, GPSNP to curb the issue of poverty in the country. The study adopted a qualitative method, which used interviews and secondary sources to gather data to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the GPNSP is path dependent, as it has travelled from the ancient days to LEAP to GSOP, and now to GPSNP. However, it was discovered that the 1992 constitution provided the basis upon which social protection was designed, influenced by the MDGs and SDGs. Based on the constitution, the National Social Protection Strategy and National Social Protection policy were designed to streamline and strengthen social protection interventions. As a result of these institutional frameworks, changes have been introduced into social protection such as the targeting and payment mode, evident from the GSOP time till date. Also, the study recorded a massive improvement in the lives of people through the project, hence reflecting increasing returns.