Decentralization and development in Ghana's Fourth Republic

This article demonstrates how decentralization can lead to development at the local level, albeit in moderate form. Analyzing data collected from 660 respondents based on face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations, we found that the transfer of power and resources to the district assemblies (DAs) has led to the provision of critical social amenities such as roads, education, health-care facilities, and management of environmental sanitation at the sub-national level. Respondents are satisfied with the provision of these social amenities because they have led to relative improvements in their basic social needs. Yet, delays and the accumulation of arrears associated with the transfers of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) have deprived the DAs of the needed revenue to deliver far-reaching social services to the people. The grant of more financial autonomy to the DAs and measures to curtail the overbearing influence of the central government over the administration of the DACF will enhance their capacity to deliver substantial development projects to accentuate the transformation of the rural districts.