Decentralisation: a Key Tool in Ghana’s Development and Nationalism
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
TO: INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
FROM: RACHEL ADJOA AMOFA (APPLICANT)
DATE: 28TH MARCH 2012
FIELD OF STUDY: GOVERNANCE, DEMOCRACY, LAW AND DEVELOPMENT
PROPOSED RESEARCH TOPIC:
DECENTRALISATION: A KEY TOOL IN GHANA’S DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONALISM i the concept of decentralisation has shaped the contours of development thinking, administration and governance both in developed and developing countries. Indeed, the demand for decentralisation is strong throughout the world because of its link to the concept of subsidiary, which holds that decisions should be taken at the most appropriate level of government and establishes a presumption that this level will be the lowest available (Van Kersbergen and Verbeeek, 1994). The interest in decentralisation in relation to democracy and nationalism has been paralleled by an even greater interest on the part of International Development Agencies, bilateral aid donors and academic circles.
Against this background, this research would address three issues. First, it would identify the causes and weaknesses of centralised governance. Second, it would discuss the drive for decentralisation. Third the paper would assess the effect of decentralisation on national development and nationalism. Finally it would serve as an additional literature on the concept of decentralisation in the local government service and findings could be used by Governments to strengthen the decentralisation system of the country
Scope: this research would draw a clear picture on decentralisation and how its serves as a tool in national development and nationalism. The study would be done using a cross section of staff of the Local Government Service as its main case study. However it would make mention of other public services and not necessarily commenting on their views. The research would be covered within the range of time allocated by the Faculty of Social Sciences even though it may be limited.
Proposed Methodology:
TO: INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
FROM: RACHEL ADJOA AMOFA (APPLICANT)
DATE: 28TH MARCH 2012
FIELD OF STUDY: GOVERNANCE, DEMOCRACY, LAW AND DEVELOPMENT
PROPOSED RESEARCH TOPIC:
DECENTRALISATION: A KEY TOOL IN GHANA’S DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONALISM i the concept of decentralisation has shaped the contours of development thinking, administration and governance both in developed and developing countries. Indeed, the demand for decentralisation is strong throughout the world because of its link to the concept of subsidiary, which holds that decisions should be taken at the most appropriate level of government and establishes a presumption that this level will be the lowest available (Van Kersbergen and Verbeeek, 1994). The interest in decentralisation in relation to democracy and nationalism has been paralleled by an even greater interest on the part of International Development Agencies, bilateral aid donors and academic circles.
Against this background, this research would address three issues. First, it would identify the causes and weaknesses of centralised governance. Second, it would discuss the drive for decentralisation. Third the paper would assess the effect of decentralisation on national development and nationalism. Finally it would serve as an additional literature on the concept of decentralisation in the local government service and findings could be used by Governments to strengthen the decentralisation system of the country
Scope: this research would draw a clear picture on decentralisation and how its serves as a tool in national development and nationalism. The study would be done using a cross section of staff of the Local Government Service as its main case study. However it would make mention of other public services and not necessarily commenting on their views. The research would be covered within the range of time allocated by the Faculty of Social Sciences even though it may be limited.
Proposed Methodology:
References: * Van Kersbergen,K & Verbeek,B.(1994) “The Politics Of Subsidiarity In The European Union.” Journal Of Common Markets Studies, Vol.32:215-236 * Slater, D. “Territorial Power And Peripheral State: The Issue Of Decentralisation” Development And Change, Vol.20: 501-531 * W. Thomi, Et Al. “A Decade of Decentralisation In Ghana Retrospective And Prospects.” (2000) EPAD Research Project and Ministry Of Local Government and Rural Development, Ghana.