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The Impact of Good Governance and Stability on Sustainable Development in Ghana

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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 The mpI act of Good Governance and Stability on Sustainable Development in Ghana William Deiyan Towah Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Political Science Commons, Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by William Towah has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Heather Mbaye, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. George Kieh, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Timothy Bagwell, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract The Impact of Good Governance and Stability on Sustainable Development in Ghana by William Towah MA, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 2005 BBA, University of Liberia, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2019 Abstract Previous studies have lauded Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development, but corruption and violence may affect sustainable development policies and initiatives related to poverty reduction, agricultural practices, environmental protection, and human development. The purpose of this holistic, qualitative case study was to identify and describe good governance practices in Ghana and threats to sustainable development. A Marxist conceptual lens guided the thematic analysis of data collected from artifact documents, field notes, and interviews of 20 key informants from various professions and diverse perspectives who were directly involved in the governance of Ghana or implementation of policies. Three primary themes emerged: (a) the importance of active governance proactively anticipating and responding to citizen’s needs through democratic processes, independent judiciary, social inclusion, and influence in Africa; (b) an effective governance formulating and implementing specific policies to advance citizens’ standard of living in partnership with the private sector focused on human capital, education, health services, farms-to-market infrastructures, and revamping economic priorities; and (c) fair governance and rule of law accountable to the people. Ghana’s good governance practices for sustainable development that were identified integrated some Western practices while maintaining and sustaining its own cultural norms and priorities. This may be a durable recipe for other African nations to use to effect positive social change for citizens, private institutions, and therefore, good governance, which is germane for sustainable development. The Impact of Good Governance and Stability on Sustainable Development in Ghana by William Towah MA, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 2005 BBA, University of Liberia, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my wife, Decontee, and my children, William, Jr., Jassie, Yao, Deijaijah, Laion, Odell and Nyentoh. Also, to my grandchildren, William, III, and Bouty. To my wife and children, I say thank you so much for your encouragement and support, and above all else your understanding throughout this process. You were by my side and, in some instances, you were prepared to forgo some essential needs to enable me to stay focused on my studies. I trust that this will inspire my children; noting that there is nothing too difficult to achieve once you are focused. To my beloved mother, Mary Laion, though you left this world many years before this day, I want you to know that I love you so much. Thank you for teaching me humility and compassion as exemplified by your life. To my father, John, thank you for making an excellent path for my journey. I am ever grateful to you for sharing with me the love of family and the attributes of sound judgment and leadership. To John, my brother, and uncle Anthony, thank you for your passion and persuasion that inspired me to pursue higher education. To my extraordinary friend, Monuway, I am exceptionally grateful for your tireless support and encouragement. Acknowledgments I am delighted and wish to express profound appreciation to all who devoted their time and committed their resources to help me accomplish this complex but needful task. My special thanks to my mentor and the Chair of my Committee, Dr. Heather Mbaye who has devoted her time to train me more than the little praises I could offer to her in this space. To my second committee member, Dr. George Klay Kieh, I would like to express my profound gratitude and say thank you for your time, excellent feedback, and overall support for my study. To the rest of my dear friends and professional colleagues who have endlessly supported me throughout the challenging moments of this study, I say thank you. Many thanks also go to Excellency, Professor Al-Hassan Conteh, Judge Micah Wilkins Wright, Mr. Dennis Bowah, Dr. Boyee Barwu, and Mr. Justice Norvor, who have inspired me over the years and, in various ways, taught me the value of higher education. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................5 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................10 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................14 Research Questions ......................................................................................................16 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................17 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................19 Operational Definitions ................................................................................................19 Assumptions of the Study ............................................................................................21 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................22 Limitations ...................................................................................................................23 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................23 Summary ......................................................................................................................25 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................27 Introduction ..................................................................................................................27 Literature Sources ........................................................................................................29 Theoretical Foundation: The Marxist Approach..........................................................30 Governance ..................................................................................................................33 Background ........................................................................................................... 33 The Concept of Good Governance ....................................................................... 35 i Governance and Democracy in Africa .................................................................. 36 Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Ghana ................................. 39 Political Instability .......................................................................................................47 Background ........................................................................................................... 47 The Economic Dimension of Insecurity ............................................................... 49 Social Dimension of Insecurity ............................................................................. 50 Insecurity in West Africa ...................................................................................... 53 Electoral Violence in West Africa ........................................................................ 61 Instability in Ghana ............................................................................................... 63 The Rawlings Era in Ghana .................................................................................
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