One Nation, Two Planning Systems? Spatial Planning and Multi-Level Policy Integration in Ghana: Mechanisms, Challenges and the Way Forward

Ransford A Acheampong,Alhassan Ibrahim

doi:10.1007/s12132-015-9269-1

Abstract

Effective integration across policy domains and between spatial scales is indispensable in dealing with the inherently complex process of policy formulation and implementation at all levels. In this paper, we examine the key features of Ghana’s spatial planning system focusing on the mechanisms and challenges of policy integration in practice. We show that a combination of path dependence and recent reforms has inevitably created two distinctly separate planning systems: an established Development Planning System and a newly instituted Spatial Planning System. Under the established notion of the ‘spatial’ being distinctively separate from the ‘socio-economic’ in planning, these two systems deploy separate institutional and legal arrangements as well as policy instruments to accomplish the task of planning. Within this context, mechanisms to ensure effective policy integration were found to be weak and ineffective. Moreover, the absence of a tradition of strategic regional planning and a culture of strategic partnerships among local authorities, the lack of appropriate institutional arrangements and sustainable sources of finance and duplicitous institutional functions were the key barriers to effective integration within the new concept of hierarchical spatial planning. We argue that a new paradigm of integrated planning under a unified planning system is urgently needed as a pre-condition for effective multi-level policy integration. We suggest that some forms of institutional restructuring would be necessary to establish a tradition of integrated planning. Finally, we recommend the use of legally binding mechanisms to institutionalize and enforce a culture of strategic alliance among local governments in cross-cutting matters.

Highlights

In many countries across the globe, spatial/land-use planning constitutes one of the established governance systems by which governments articulate and implement policies aimed at achieving an integrated and functional organization of activities, as well as regulating the type, location and timing of these activities at various spatial scales (Owens and Cowell 2011; Rotmans et al 2000; Healey et al 1997)
We identify that Regional Spatial Development Frameworks have been introduced at the regional scale of spatial planning, an equivalent plan focusing on socio-economic development as established within the tradition of Development Planning does not exist as one would expect at this level
The analysis shows the planning system by design has several inbuilt features aimed at ensuring policy coherence at all levels

Summary

Introduction

In many countries across the globe, spatial/land-use planning constitutes one of the established governance systems by which governments articulate and implement policies aimed at achieving an integrated and functional organization of activities, as well as regulating the type, location and timing of these activities at various spatial scales (Owens and Cowell 2011; Rotmans et al 2000; Healey et al 1997). Spatial planning embraces the task of integrating the economic, social and environmental dimensions of territorial strategies with the ultimate aim of ensuring that development outcomes are sustainable (Cullingworth and Nadin 2006; Vigar 2009; Roseland 2000). It is viewed as a political resource providing a platform for consensus building towards a shared vision and development outcomes (Allmendinger and Haughton 2010). Across Europe for example, the need for improved and effective policy integration has culminated in restructuring (Counsell et al 2006), rescaling (Vigar 2009; Allmendinger and Haughton 2007) or reinforcement and modernisation (OECD 2001) of planning systems over the years

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion