The Effect of Aid: A Case Study in Democratic Ownership and Accountability in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance in Ghana

Authors

  • Samuel Kwofie Applied Mathematics Department, Koforidua Polytechnic, School of Applied Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/ijbsr.v4i6.304

Abstract

In March 2005, Governments and Development Partners (DPs) in a High Level Forum on finding appropriate ways to maximize the benefits of aid promulgated the Paris Declaration with the aim pursuing reforms towards aid effectiveness. In 2008, the Accra Agenda for Action (AAA) was drawn up, building on the commitments agreed in the PD. Having been implemented in for some years now, Civil Society Organizations are interested to know the impact of aids in Ghana and at the same time assessing their level of participation with regards to - ownership and accountability in aid. The research was broadly agreed on Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NREG).

The research employs decentralisation as general entry point for studying the impact aid and its modalities made on the efforts for improved democratic accountability and domestic ownership. Analysis and discussions are based on interview discussions with key Ministry Department Agencies, Development Partners, Experts, District Assemblies and communities within the NREG sector

Ghana signed on to the PD in 2005 with a pledge to commit her to adhering to the principles of the PD and to ensure effectiveness of the aid she receives.

The research identifies the lack of CS participation in natural resources decision-making as one of the banes to accountability in natural resource endowed areas. The weak connection between CS and Government at the various levels of engagement has culminated in lack of sense of ownership, hence reduced commitment on the part of citizens in the sustainable use and management of resources.

The research further identified community level CS group perceptions about aid management and accountability processes to be the exclusive domain and control of government agencies, represented more by the DA. The indication is that government has the sole responsibility for reporting on aid and this reporting should be towards the donors. The people for whom government contract and receive aid do not therefore matter in the process.  In addition, CS groups are not accountable to the district structure and also the constituency they represent.

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Published

2014-06-20

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 6 (2014): June

Section

Article

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