Enhancing the participation of traditional authorities (chiefs) in Ghana's democratic decentralization programme: a case study of the South Tongu District Assembly of the Volta Region
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2006
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Abstract
This dissertation examines the broader debate on the participation of traditional authorities, otherwise known as chiefs, in democratic decentralization but with particular reference to Ghana's current democratic decentralization programme (i.e. the District Assemblies system). The importance of the debate lies m the fact that there have increasingly been calls from certain sectors of society m Sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere for collaboration between indigenous (read traditional) and modem institutions of governance so as to ensure good governance and development at the local government level. The study traces the participation of traditional authorities in local government (read decentralization) from the pre-colonial, through the colonial into the post-colonial era in what is now modem Ghana. This 'historical journey' is meant to facilitate an examination of their roles in past programmes so as to provide a basis for the evaluation of their participation in the District Assemblies system. To ensure an in-depth study, the research examines the extent to which traditional authorities in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region of Ghana have been participating in their District Assembly since the inception of the District Assemblies system in 1988. The findings from this case study are expected to provide an insight into the extent to which traditional authorities have been participating in the District Assemblies system in Ghana. The study discusses those findings and their implications for both the institution of traditional authority and the decentralization programme. Further, lessons drawn from the study form a basis for recommendations on how to improve upon the programme so as to enhance local governance and development both in Ghana and in other countries pursuing similar programmes.
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Bibliography: p. 253-275
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Nyendu, M. (2006). Enhancing the participation of traditional authorities (chiefs) in Ghana's democratic decentralization programme: a case study of the South Tongu District Assembly of the Volta Region (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/536