Local Economic Development in Ghana: Origin, Status and Analysis of the Role Played by International Development Agencies

Local Economic Development (LED) is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional top-down development strategies which have largely failed to generate meaningful and sustainable development at the local level. From... [ view full abstract ]

Local Economic Development (LED) is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to traditional top-down development strategies which have largely failed to generate meaningful and sustainable development at the local level. From its inception in the North, LED has gain prominence as an alternative approach to development at the local level among development organisations, international, national, NGOs and local governments (Rogerson, 2010). The Government of Ghana has made several efforts to promote LED at the district level. This is reflected in the number of legislative and institutional frameworks over the years (Mensah et al., 2013). In an attempt of the government to implement LED, international development agencies have played a significant role not only in terms of finance but also implemented initiatives to advance the LED agenda in Ghana.
Despite the growing importance of LED, there are few systematic assessments of the origin and status of LED in Ghana. More unfortunately, the literature has been silent on the significant role played by international development agencies in promoting and supporting LED. This paper provides an overview of the status and scholarship of LED policy and practice in Ghana and highlights the role and initiatives undertaken by international development agencies. The paper draws from relevant documents and desk research of LED policies, institution, practices and initiatives undertaken by international development agencies in Ghana. The findings showed that LED has been practiced in Ghana since independent even though it was not officially named as such. Furthermore, international development agencies have helped shaped a robust and inclusive LED in Ghana. Finally, local governments and international development agencies have encountered a number of challenges in their attempt to promote LED. The paper provided suggestions for effective formulation and implementation of LED in Ghana. This paper contributes to the debate and evidence of LED in Sub-Saharan Africa.

References
Mensah J. K., Domfeh K. A., Ahenkan A. and Bawole J. N. (2013). Policy and Institutional Perspectives on Local Economic Development in Africa: The Ghanaian Perspective. Journal of African Studies and Development, Vol. 5, No. 7, pp. 163-170.

Rogerson C. M. (2010). Local Economic Development in South Africa: Strategic Challenges. Development Southern Africa. Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 481-495