Abstract
This study sought to assess the practice and challenges of good governance in Bonga Town Administration. A descriptive research method was utilized. Respondents are selected by purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Quantitative data was gathered through a questionnaire. Pertinent to qualitative information, structured interview, and FGD are employed. Then, data analyzed through quantitative and qualitative methods. Finally, the study disclosed a low level of accountability and transparency in the town administration. Pervasive corruption is also perceived as a key governance problem in the town; however, due to fear of reprisal citizens lack experience in exposing corruption. In sum poor service delivery, the gap between local government representatives and the town people, high level of rent-seeking, weak political leadership, lack of timely response for a public interest, and public disengagement in shared affairs were found to be challenges of good governance. Henceforth, based on the findings, it is concluded that the current good governance practice in Bonga Town Administration is weak and identified with a high level of rent-seeking among public servants as well as appointed and elected authorities. This research argues for the existence of governance which ensures public engagement in decision making and prioritization of shared problems, accompanied by transparent and accountable administration.
Highlights
In the contemporary world, good governance has become a catchphrase and it is frequently mentioned as one ingredient of economic growth and poverty reduction
Ethiopia is not an exception from this consensus and GOE recognized the importance of good governance for bringing sustainable development
The study revealed that the budget proposal is not announced to the people publicly affecting transparency in local government which is against the requirement set by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of Ethiopia
Summary
Good governance has become a catchphrase and it is frequently mentioned as one ingredient of economic growth and poverty reduction. As indicated in AfDB(1999) a 1989 WB report on “Sub-Saharan Africa: From crisis to sustained growth”, raised the issue of governance. It was following this report that the idea of good governance is frequently pronounced among aid agencies as well as countries regarding development and conditionality for aid provision. There is a widespread consensus that “good governance” is a necessary condition to sustain economic development and ensure the prosperity of the country. Ethiopia is not an exception from this consensus and GOE recognized the importance of good governance for bringing sustainable development. The package attempts to enhance good governance including participation, consensus building, gender equality, responsiveness, transparency, accountability, equity and fairness, the rule of law, and efficiency and effectiveness. Several measures were taken to improve local governance including awareness-raising campaigns, issuing directives and codes of conduct, changing the number and composition of councilors, appointment of Kebele managers, complaints handling officers, and participation of membership-based grass-root organizations(MoFED, 2009)
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