University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh UNIVERSITY OF GHANA THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GHANA’S DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES: THE CASE OF THE LEDZOKUKU- KROWOR MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY (LEKMA), 2000-2012 BY AKORLI, COSMOS KWAME (10178031) THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MPHIL POLITICAL SCIENCE DEGREE JUNE, 2013 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DECLARATION I hereby declare that, apart from the works referred to which have been duly acknowledged, this study is entirely mine. It has not been presented in whole or in part to any institution for the award of any degree. I accordingly take full responsibility for any omission, or commission that may be found in this work. I am therefore solely responsible for any marginal or shortcoming in this work. …………………………………………… AKORLI, COSMOS KWAME (STUDENT) …………………………… DATE ……………………………………. ………………………………………… DR. EMMANUEL DEBRAH DR. ERIC BOSSMAN ASARE (PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR) (SECOND SUPERVISOR) ……..…...………………………… .…….…………………………………. DATE DATE i University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ABSTRACT For about three decades, Ghana has pursued decentralisation which has led to the transfer of power and resources to the local level with the aim of accelerating local development and democracy. Successful decentralization, however, depends on accountability of the District Chief Executive (DCE) who is the central figure of the District Assembly. This study which examined the nature of accountability in the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) found that, there are several measures that have been put in place to hold the DCE accountable. First, the nomination of the DCE was approved by the District Assembly (DA). Second, all proposals of the DCE were subjected to the approval of the District Assembly. Third, the District Assembly could remove the DCE through a vote of no confidence. It was possible for the DA to investigate suspected acts of malfeasance by the DCE. Despite these, the study found weaknesses in the accountability measures. The DCE exerts control over the thirty percent members who are appointed by the President. Also, the DCE is manipulated by the ruling party and the President who appointed him to the position. As result, the DCE feels more committed and accountable to the President than to the DA. The study concludes that the appointment of the DCE by the President does not promote accountability in Ghana‟s District Assemblies. ii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEDICATION I dedicate this study first to the ALMIGHTY God for his guidance and protection throughout my gruelling attempts to make this study a reality. Secondly, to my beloved parents, Mr Joseph Akorli and Mrs Georgina Akorli for their unrelenting support which has made this work a success. I will forever remain indebted to you. May God bless you abundantly! iii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I thank Almighty God for making this work a success. Second, I wish to thank my supervisors, Dr. Emmanuel Debrah and Dr. Bossman Asare. I say thank you for your patience, guidance and the directions you gave me in this endeavour. Third, I would like to thank all the lecturers of the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, Legon for their advice, support and constructive criticism throughout the study period, especially Dr. Ziblim Iddi and Prof Essuman-Johnson. Fourth, I extend a special gratitude to Mr. Frank Okyere, a former MPhil student of the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, Legon, for proof reading my work. I further thank my colleagues of the Department, especially Mr. Sampson Danso, who contributed in diverse ways to make my work a success. Fifth, I say a special thank you to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), the Presiding Member (PM), the Assembly Members and staff of LEKMA for the willingness with which they responded to the questionnaires and volunteered information. Last but not the least, to my parents, Georgina Akorli, Joseph Akorli, my Auntie, Ms. Augustina Lavison, my siblings and all my cousins for your immense support and encouragement throughout my studies. Surely, your efforts have not been in vain. iv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page DECLARATION ................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION .....................................................................................................................iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................. x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................. xi CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem ............................................................................. 4 1.3 Research Hypothesis ................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................... 7 1.6 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 7 1.7 Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 8 1.7.1 Decentralisation and Local Government .................................................................. 9 1.7.2 The Principle of Accountability ............................................................................. 26 1.8 Research Methodology .............................................................................................. 37 v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 1.8.1 The Rationale for a Case Study .............................................................................. 38 1.8.2 The Population ....................................................................................................... 39 1.8.3 Sources of Data ...................................................................................................... 40 1.9 Limitations of the Research ....................................................................................... 41 1.10 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................... 41 1.10.1 Definition of Accountability................................................................................. 41 1.10.2 Political Accountability ........................................................................................ 44 1.10.3 Legal Accountability ............................................................................................ 46 1.10.4 Deployment of the Concept of Accountability ..................................................... 47 1.11 Organization of the Study ........................................................................................ 48 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 49 CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 55 EVOLUTION OF ACCOUNTABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN GHANA ................. 55 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 55 2.2 Local Government under Colonial Rule ................................................................... 55 2.3 Decentralisation under the Convention People‟s Party (CPP) .................................. 56 2.4 Decentralisation under the National Liberation Council (NLC) ............................... 58 2.5 Decentralisation under the Progress Party ................................................................. 59 2.6 Decentralisation under the National Redemption Council ........................................ 60 2.7 Decentralisation under the Regime of the PNDC...................................................... 62 2.8 Decentralization under the 1992 Constitution ........................................................... 64 2.9 Popular Control of the DCE ...................................................................................... 67 vi University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 2.10 Fiscal Controls in the District Assemblies .............................................................