Greater decentralisation is a core element of good governance in Ghana's poverty reduction strategy (GPRS). International donors had made it a condition for further lending to Ghana that tangible progress was made towards decentralisation. Decentralisation was chosen as one of five priority issues for PSIA at a workshop with representatives of government and donor institutions. The PSIA was headed by the National Development Planning Committee (NDPC) and supported by GIZ and KFW.

The aim of the PSIA was to assess alternative decentralisation options on the basis of their potential impact on the poor. The analysis covered the planned changes in resource allocation, but also existing capacities, the legal mandate and options for participation at the district level. The PSIA found a need to inform the public better about the decentralisation process and to better promote their participation at the decentralised level. To strengthen district government capacities, the study recommended increasing their financial allocations and improving coordination between the various institutions at national and decentralised level.

The conclusions and recommendations of the PSIA were included in the progress report of the poverty reduction strategy. The experience acquired from conducting the study and subsequently applying its findings in the policy-making process provided important lessons for the further development of the PSIA approach and its integration in PRS processes.

Downloads

• Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (PSIA) Study on: Resource Allocation, Mobilization, Management and Capacity Building at District Level in Ghana – Final Report
  en-final-draft-psia-ghana-2005.pdf, 1.09 MB (English)
• Experimenting with Poverty and Social Impact Assessments. By Vitus Adaboo Azeem with Mr Charles Ayamdoo. Accra, July 2005
  The EURODAD view on several PSIAs conducted in Ghana
  www.eurodad.org/uploadstore/cms/docs/..., 3,56 MB