Metropolitan, Municipal And District Assemblies Research Articles

Assessing the Relationship between Technological Factors and the Implementation of Human Resource Information System: A survey in the Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Assemblies in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Over the years, public sector organization such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana have been challenged by a significant number of factors that affect the implementation of Human Resource Management Information Systems (HRISs). The study focuses on assessing the technological factors affecting the implementation of the HRIS in the MMDAs in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The philosophical foundation of the study was positivism. A cross-sectional survey was employed in the study as part of a quantitative research design. The target population comprised of 187 Line managers. The study used a non-probability sampling technique known as purposive sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The study also embraced descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate regression analysis and correlation coefficient were used to establish causal relationships between variables. Stepwise regression was also used to determine the most influential variables in implementing of HRIS. It was concluded that IT Infrastructure and Compatibility had a moderate level of acceptance as factors that affect the implementation of the HRIS. In contrast, Quality Information, System Quality, and Complexity had a low level of acceptance. The study also concluded that Complexity, Quality Information, Compatibility and System Quality had correlated with the acceptance of the HRIS, whereas IT infrastructure did not correlate with the acceptance of the HRIS. Lastly, it was concluded that IT Infrastructure, Complexity, Quality Information, Compatibility, and System Quality did correlate with the Effectiveness of the HRIS. The study recommends that, HRIS Software adopted and implemented at the LGS and its Agencies must be user-friendly. The LGS and its Agencies do not have a guide that support new technology implementation such as the HRIS. Hence the need to adopt the guide offered in this study.

Navigating Taxpayers Attitude: Exploring Support for Urban Sanitation Surcharge in Kumasi.

Urban sanitation challenges persist in Ghana, prompting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to explore innovative funding mechanisms such as surcharges to fund sanitation services. This study assesses property owners' attitudes toward the imposition of sanitation surcharge for pro-poor sanitation improvement in the Kumasi Metropolis. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 property owners in the Kumasi metropolis. Structured questionnaires were utilized to solicit information from respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques. Findings indicated that 36.1% of respondents were willing to pay the sanitation surcharge, while 63.9% opposed its implementation in the Metropolis. Property ownership and support for a sanitation surcharge were associated with higher odds of willingness to pay. Participants paying property rates had decreased odds of supporting the sanitation surcharge. Factors associated with pro-poor spending support included age (61-80 years) [AOR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.60-3.82] and willingness to pay sanitation surcharge [AOR = 11.07, 95%CI = 6.63-18.49]. Protective factors against supporting pro-poor spending included residing in medium-class communities [AOR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.08-0.81], perceiving improvement in sanitation status [AOR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.21-0.81) and having a home toilet facility (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.36-0.95). The study revealed a nuanced landscape where concerns about fund utilization, perceived tax burdens, and trust in local institutions significantly shape public sentiment. To enhance public acceptance and participation, policymakers should prioritize transparent communication to build trust and convey the effective utilization of funds from the sanitation surcharge.

Gendered Analysis of Perceptions of Stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector on Gender Notions in Northern Region of Ghana

Aim: The study analyzed stakeholders in the agricultural sector perceptions of gendered notions in Northern Region of Ghana. Three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) were purposively sampled from the 16 MMDAs in the region.
 Methods: The research applied the explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 54 policymakers and implementers followed by a FGD and interviews for the 400 farmers in 12 communities. A 5-point Likert scale perception index was used to analyze the perceptions of stakeholders on gender.
 Results: The results revealed that cumulatively, the stakeholder’s thoughts on gender notions were widespread and culturally grounded and implied to a large extent that ownership and control over productive resources was male-dominated whiles the distribution of labor portrayed a heavier burden on women making the men more empowered at the community management level. 
 Conclusion: The study concludes that, the stakeholders in the agricultural sector do not unanimously agree on these notions. Though the women portray some level of readiness to challenge the status quo, access to and control over resources like land and other resources challenge their efforts whiles the men, for fear of losing their access and control over the resources, protect their territories graciously.
 Recommendation: The study therefore recommends policymakers at the national and regional levels and implementers at the MMDAs and community levels to ensure that both women and men have access and control over resources. The study also recommends (policymakers and implementers) in the agricultural sector be more conscious of the different gender roles and its implication for both women and men in society and also conscientize both the female and male farmers on these gender roles.
 

An Analysis of Gender Mainstreaming in National Agricultural Policies and Programs in Ghana

Aim: The study examined the extent of gender integration in agricultural policies at the regional and national levels in Northern Ghana.
 Methods: Three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) were purposively sampled from the 16 MMDAs in the region. The interview method was used to obtain information from 24 purposively selected key informants of MoFA and gender focal persons in Accra, Tamale, Savelugu, Zabzugu. Ten selected agricultural policy documents that addressed gender integration in agricultural policies were reviewed and descriptive and content analysis of the documents were conducted. The study applied a framework developed by Gumuchio and Rueda (2015) to analyze the extent of gender mainstreaming in agricultural policies and programmes.
 Results: The study found that most national-level agricultural policies and programmes on gender recognize the need for gender equality by specifying issues of concern, but fall short of highlighting the means of addressing the issues. It was also observed that most agricultural policies are moving from gender-blind policies to integrating gender in the objective or cross-cutting issues category, emphasizing an increasingly positive response in the extent of integrating gender in agricultural policies and programmes but with little or no budget provision to operationalize gender integration. 
 Conclusion: The study concludes that recent agricultural policies (2015 to 2023) are progressively shifting from gender-blind policies to integrating gender at different levels of policies and programmes. The predominance of women’s issues in gender policy documents coupled with a lack of clear gender indicators to little or no budget provision to operationalize gender integration in programs and projects.
 Recommendation: The study recommends that gender mainstreaming should move beyond women to include men to ensure gender equity. Also, policies and programmes on gender-specific issues of concern should highlight the means of addressing such issues and also ensure that gender-specific policies are accompanied by resource allocations.

Examining Youth Participation in Local Governance: The Case of Selected Districts in Ghana

The participation of Ghana’s youth in its democratic governance in recent times cannot be overemphasised. The youth have non-restrictive opportunities to be elected, exercise their franchise and subsequently involve in local and national development activities. The Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have a stake in the development, implementation and coordination of local and national policies that inure to youth activities and development. The study examines youth participation in governance among three districts in Ghana adopting a mixed research method by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. It used survey questionnaires, focus group discussion and interview for its primary data collection. The research was conducted in three assemblies namely Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, Awutu Senya District Assembly and Ashaiman Municipal Assembly. In all, 220 persons were targeted as respondents for the quantitative data and 24 for the qualitative data. A total of 220 questionnaires were administered out of which 140 were completed and returned by respondents while the qualitative interviews were administered to all the 24 respondents. On development activities, 70 percent of the respondents do not know of any development activities for the youth in the districts. None of the three MMDAs has a tailor-made local policy and programmes on youth development. Consequently, the youth is challenged in relating with the assembly and do not contribute to the decision making and execution of local development plans. There is no specific unit or sub-committee in any of the districts that has the responsibility of overseeing youth development. District Assemblies should develop district specific youth policies or localize national youth policies in order to meet the orientation, aspiration, culture and the world view of the youth in their localities.

Effects of customised capacity building on employee engagement, empowerment, and learning in Ghanaian local government institutions

PurposeCustomised capacity building is thought to be essential for organisations. However, empirical studies are lacking with respect to its effect on employee outcomes. This study aims to examine the effect of customised capacity building on employee outcomes including employee empowerment and employee engagement through employee learning in Ghanaian local government institutions.Design/methodology/approachValid responses from 281 employees of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana were collected through a survey. A structural equation model was used to analyse the data and test the hypotheses formulated.FindingsThe results showed that customised capacity building has an effect on employee learning, employee empowerment, and employee engagement. Employee learning also had an effect on employee empowerment and employee engagement. In addition, employee learning partially mediated the effect of customised capacity building on both employee empowerment and employee engagement.Originality/valueThis study is of particular relevance to public organisations. As there is a dearth of studies focusing on customised capacity building, this study provides insight into incorporating the phenomenon into public sector organisations to enhance employee learning, empowerment and engagement.

Administrative capacity and local level development in metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in Ghana: mediating role of resource capacity

PurposeThis study aims to examine the mediating role of resource capacity on the effect of administrative capacity on local level development.Design/methodology/approachData is obtained from three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Central Region of Ghana using a survey. A structural equation modelling that includes a formatively measured construct (administrative capacity) is used in the analyses.FindingsLeadership, human resource management, financial resource management, technical and adaptive capacities are supported as formative constructs of administrative capacity. More so, it is established that administrative capacity has an effect on resource capacity. Also, administrative capacity and resource capacity each has an effect on local level development. The mediation analysis shows that resource capacity mediates the effect administrative capacity has on local level development.Practical implicationsAdministrative capacity is a necessity for local governments as enhancing it together with the resource capacity of MMDAs are vital if local level development is to be achieved. In this regard, administrative and resource capacities of local governments must be pursued by both the central government and decentralised governments for the latter to achieve its primary mandate.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically ascertain leadership, human resource management, financial resource management, technical and adaptive capacities as the dimensions of administrative capacity using a structural equation model. Given that there is a lack of consensus on the dimensions of administrative capacity, this study contributes significantly to the discourse. The study also highlights the need to pursue and enhance administrative and resource capacities for local level development.

A Critical Analysis of Completed Abandoned Construction Projects in Ghana

The paper presents findings from a study of abandoned infrastructure projects and provides recommendations to lessen the adverse effects of infrastructural sustainability in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, using face-to-face interviews, and a questionnaire survey. Responses were received from selected government officials, consultants, and end-users involved in selecting and approving government projects in the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (M.M.D.A.s) of the 16 regions of Ghana. Qualitative data gathered from an interview of 45 candidates were transcribed and coded with Atlas ti eight and line-by-line content analysis. Whilst, quantitative data from questionnaires completed by 320 respondents were analysed by the researcher with the aid of Mann- Whitney U-test in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S.) to evaluate the magnitude of the impacts of completed project abandonment in Ghana. Findings indicate that completed project abandonment exists in Ghana, and its economic, social, and environmental implications are considerable on the long-term sustainability of infrastructure development and the country's overall economic growth. Infrastructural sustainability was found to be equally contingent on the initial stages of project preparation. The study draws readers’ attention to the critical role of project selection and approval criteria. The study identified critical impacts of project selection and approval process and the construction industry's long-term sustainability.

Settlement as a determinant for community’s resilience to local economic development in Ghana

Local Economic Development (LED) is the main anchor through which economic development is achieved by building entrepreneurial capacities and improving opportunities for economic growth and citizens’ quality of life, especially in rural settlements. In Ghana, the implementation of LED is under the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLDGRD) through the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) at the local level. The implementation of LED contributes significantly to Ghana’s economic growth, business creation, and employment generation. LED is therefore identified as essential to sustainable development and poverty reduction in rural settlements in Ghana. However, the challenges of poor implementation of the LED policy are financial constraints to implement LED activities at the local level, performance action of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards LED, and limited exploration of the sanitation value chain LED efforts at the local level. The poor capacity of small-medium micro enterprises (SMMEs) and smallholder farmers have often affected the successful implementation of LED activities at the local level. Hence, this paper seeks to identify the determinants for resilience in Local Economic Development in Ghana. The paper further provides an overview of the LED challenges in Ghana. Finally, this paper recommends appropriate theoretical frameworks that integrate the determinants for the resilience of Local Economic Development to address the identified challenges of LED, leading to poverty reduction in Ghana.

Exploring the Use of an Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) in the Local Government Institutions in Ghana

The study uses neo-institutional sociology (NIS) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to explore the benefits, enabling and constraining factors that influence local government institutions in Ghana to use integrated financial management information system (IFMIS) for the management of public financial resources. Based on a case study of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the study adopts qualitative case study approach to execute the study. In addition, eighty-six (86) participants who use the IFMIS for their routine operations were identified through purposive sampling for interview. The findings suggest that, despite the immense benefits associated with the technology usage, regulatory, environmental and organization factors were the enabling factors that shaped the use of the GIFMIS to achieved the success recorded so far. Furthermore, technological factors, as well as the socio-cultural characteristics, should not be underestimated, as these factors are crucial barriers to IFMIS use.

Local government in Ghana: Exploring the factors that predict public attitudes towards local government elections in Ghana

ABSTRACT Local government decentralization, as a policy option, has been on the political and developmental agenda of Ghana since 1957. At the heart of Ghana’s local government and decentralization policies are Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and Chief Executives (MMDCEs), currently appointed by the President. Since MMDCEs are appointed by the president, there are arguments about whether their allegiance lies with the president or their local constituents. In recent years, citizens’ demand for local government elections is commonplace in Ghana. The present study explores the factors that influence public support for local government elections in Ghana, specifically the election of MMDCEs. Analyzing national representative data (n = 2400), obtained from the Afrobarometer Round 7 survey about Ghana, several important revelations were made. The analysis revealed that the majority of respondents (73%) support local government elections in Ghana. Additionally, political party affiliation, rural-urban residency, region, and problems facing Ghana are strong predictors. Overall, the present study provides partial support for path dependency theory and the sequential theory of decentralization.

Impact of Human Resources Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Ashanti Region

The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana have adopted, have been practicing Human Resource Budgeting for effective accounting of human resources. However, little is done to determine its impact on Human Resource Management Accountability. This study, therefore, focused on the impact of Human Resource Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study purposively sampled Heads of Departments since they have the responsibility of supervising, directing, coordinating the activities of other employees within the MMDAs. The study collected primary data from 387 Heads of Departments in 43 MMDAs in the region. The study employed mean and standard deviation for descriptive analysis. The study employed a structural equation model for the estimation of the impact of Human Resource Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability. The sex, educational level, and years of experience of the respondents were controlled for in the model estimation. Human Resource Budgeting in the MMDAs was occasionally done. Human Resource Budgeting had a significant positive impact on Human Resource Management Accountability in the MMDAs. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should see Human Resource Budgeting as a strategic tool for enhancing Human Resource Management Accountability in MMDAs. For this reason, Human Resource budgeting practices should be enforced to the latter.

Financial accountability, transparency, and performance of MMDAs in Ghana

The Local Government Act 936 of 2016 and the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 921 of 2016 enjoins district assemblies in Ghana to publish financial records by disclosing auditor general reports on their accounts and financial statement on various platforms accessible to the citizenry. The study examined the extent to which financial accountability and transparency levels within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana influence performance. SmartPLS 4.0 was used to test the research hypothesis. The results established the existence of positive influence between financial accountability and transparency on performance. The implication is that for the MMDAs to promote a higher performance, they must do well to entrench their accountability and transparency practices.

Awareness of preservation of historic buildings and sites in Ghana: the case of residents in Kumasi

PurposeThis study focuses on historic buildings and site preservation (HBSP), which forms part of cultural heritage amidst rampant demolishing and seeming neglect of such heritage in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to assess public awareness of the importance of HBSP in Kumasi.Design/methodology/approachThe study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews based on a purposive sampling technique. Respondents were residents of Kumasi.FindingsThe study revealed that awareness of the importance of HBSP is dependent on the demographic variables. The young generation below 30 years seems more aware of the importance of HBSP.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the fact that respondents were not willing to reveal income levels. Laws governing cultural heritage, including HBSP at the MMDAs, was not studied in detail and could be an area for further research.Practical implicationsThis study brings out the need to be aware of the importance of HBSP and train staff to enforce laws governing HBSP in six metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) as part of Ghana's urban regeneration. This study further raises awareness among residents for sustainable architectural heritage preservation in Ghana.Originality/valueThe concept of HBSP is not popular in Ghana. This academic paper apparently assesses the level of awareness of the importance of HBSP among residents in Kumasi with an aim to identify and train staff of MMDAs on laws governing HBSP.

Fiscal decentralization and efficiency of public services delivery by local governments in Ghana

AbstractIn this paper, we estimate the efficiency of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, and investigate the impact of fiscal decentralization on the efficiency of local public goods and services delivery by MMDAs. Using data from composite budgets of all 216 MMDAs, we employ both non‐parametric and parametric frontier methods to carry out the study. The results with regard to our two indicators of fiscal decentralization indicate that fiscal autonomy proxied by MMDAs’ internally generated funds as a share of their total revenue has a positive influence on the efficiency of MMDAs whilst vertical imbalance—a high share of central government grants in MMDAs’ total expenditure—does not improve the delivery of local goods and services by MMDAs in Ghana. The findings indicate a clear signal to policy managers to prioritize support to MMDAs in the mobilization of internally generated revenue.

Sanitation Challenge for Ghana (SC4Gh): motivating local authorities through innovation prizes to achieve SDG6

As part of the UK Government-funded Ideas to Impact programme, the Sanitation Challenge for Ghana (SC4Gh) ran from 2015 to 2019 aiming to incentivize local authorities in Ghana to prioritize resources to improve municipal sanitation services towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The paper reviews the overall results of the SC4Gh and discusses selected results for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) involved. The most notable outcome was that MMDAs involved were able to make significant improvements across the sanitation value chain with limited technical support and no upfront external donor funding. Another important outcome was the empowering aspect of the prize process which enabled MMDAs to innovate their plans based upon their own ideas to improve sanitation services. The prize process was an unprecedented opportunity for MMDAs throughout the country to participate in an international programme, resulting in encouraging results particularly from smaller, less well-resourced MMDAs in remote parts of Ghana who secured prizes in both stages of the Challenge.

Direct Labour as A Procurement Route for Infrastructure Delivery within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana

Direct Labour procurement method has been identified as one of several procurement route alternatives used for the delivery of construction projects. This study assessed Direct Labour as a procurement route for the delivery of infrastructure within the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana. A qualitative research approach was employed using in-depth interviews conducted with ten (10) professionals who were purposively sampled from the Works Departments of the Kumasi, Accra and Tema Metropolitan Assemblies in Ghana. The qualitative data was then analysed using content analysis. Direct Labour has been revealed by this study as an effective procurement method which can be employed by the MMDAs in Ghana for the delivery of public infrastructure. The findings of the study also indicate that, the benefits of the Direct Labour procurement route include the elimination of profits to contractors and its idealness for the execution of emergency works. However, Direct Labour as a form of procurement is not used on new MMDA construction projects because the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) of Ghana as Amended in 2016, does not clearly stipulate its usage on new projects. Direct Labour procurement is used within the MMDAs mainly for maintenance works on public projects. The findings of the study would prove useful for policy re-evaluation, especially regarding the reformation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as Amended in 2016 to include Direct Labour as one of the procurement routes for the delivery of infrastructure. This would enable the MMDAs to adopt it not only for maintenance works, but also for the execution of new infrastructural projects in order to benefit from its numerous advantages.

Does Accountability Undermine Service Delivery? The Impact of Devolving Agriculture in Ghana

In recent years, many developing countries have devolved services to locally elected governments. Although this may strengthen downwards accountability to citizens, does devolution improve service provision? Ghana began devolving agriculture in 2012 to its Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Drawing on an original survey with 80 District Directors of Agriculture and 960 households, as well as district-level budget data and interviews with national and local government stakeholders, this paper shows that agricultural expenditures and services have been negatively affected by the transition. The imperative of electoral accountability encourages assembly members to de-prioritize agriculture in the budget process in favor of more visible goods and services. Budget allocations, however, do reflect the preferences of local citizens, a majority of whom value using elections to sanction their district politicians. The findings indicate that devolution may increase accountability but result in sectoral trade-offs in service provision, which may undermine national policy objectives.

Re-examining the Benefits of Decentralization for Infrastructure Delivery at the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana

Decentralization has been promoted to reflect citizens’ preferences and to improve local services. Hence, the strong demand for decentralization across the globe particularly in developing countries. This paper aimed at re-examining the benefits of decentralization for infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs in Ghana. Quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit construction professionals’ opinions on the benefits of decentralization to the MMDAs. A total of 121 professionals from 36 MMDAs in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana participated in the survey. Mean score ranking and Factor analysis were the statistical tools employed for the analysis of the data collected. The findings of the study indicated five categories of the benefits of decentralization including: Decentralized/Democratic governance; Equal distribution of infrastructure; Improved Local capacity; Improved Financial capacity; and Improved Local development. Furthermore, the top four significant benefits accruing from decentralization as agreed upon by the respondents were: Enhanced democratic governance; Improved internally generated funds; Utilization of local materials and Improved and faster infrastructure delivery. The findings of this study provide a wider and improved understanding of the benefits of decentralization particularly to the MMDAs, which in turn would enhance their delivery of infrastructure. Therefore, effective measures should be put in place in order to drive the implementation of decentralization in Ghana. Also, proper decentralized governance systems need to be established to improve the capacity of the MMDAs to deliver infrastructure.

Bureaucratic Factors Impeding the Delivery of Infrastructure at the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana

Decentralisation of infrastructure delivery to sub-national governments has become commonplace in governments worldwide especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This is due to the benefits of decentralisation in improving public service delivery. However, decentralised infrastructure delivery is marred with numerous challenges that render most local governments incapable of providing infrastructure within their localities. This paper explored the bureaucratic factors that impede infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs in Ghana. A questionnaire survey with 121 construction professionals in the Departments of Works (DoWs) of the MMDAs within the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana was conducted. The results indicated six (6) major components of the bureaucratic factors that impede the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs: Central government bureaucracy; Minimal control of MMDAs; Political influence; MMDA project funding; Lack of capacity of MMDAs; and Political interference. This paper calls for a more committed central government to the establishment of adequate decentralised structures and implementation of major reforms that would remove the bureaucratic obstacles in the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs, to ensure effective infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs.