seeking gender equity: assessment of women involvement in … · 2016. 11. 5. · seeking gender...

Seeking Gender Equity: Assessment of Women Involvement in Local Governance and

Community Development in Three Districts of the Western Region

A 2014 Baseline Report

Gender Centre for Empowering

Development (GenCED).

CONTENTS List of Acronyms / Abbreviation / Definitions ............................................................................. i

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. ii

List of figures ............................................................................................................................. ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................... iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... iv

CHAPTER 1 ...............................................................................................................................1

1.0 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background .................................................................................................................1

1.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................2

CHAPTER 2 ...............................................................................................................................4

2. Literature Review ...................................................................................................................4

2.1Local Governance in the Ghanaian Context ...................................................................4

2.2 Legislative Frameworks for Local Governance in Ghana ...................................................5

2.3 The Local Government System Arrangement in Ghana .....................................................6

2.4 Institutional Constraints confronting the Ghanaian Local Government System ................ 12

2.5 Women in Local Government .......................................................................................... 12

2.6Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in local

governance and community development .......................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................. 16

3. Research Methodology .......................................................................................................... 16

3.1Introduction .................................................................................................................... 16

3.2Research Methodology ................................................................................................... 16

CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................................. 18

4. Findings ........................................................................................................................... 18

4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 18

4.2 Presentation of findings ............................................................................................ 18

4.3 Study Districts Background ...................................................................................... 18

4.4 Findings from Juaboso District Assembly ............................................................... 19

4.5 Findings from Bia West District Assembly .............................................................. 21

4.6 Findings from Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly ................................................. 24

CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................. 27

5.0 Discussion of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................. 27

References ................................................................................................................................ 33

Annex 1: Interview Guide for FGDs and Stakeholders Interviews ............................................. 34

Annex 2: List of Stakeholders ................................................................................................... 35

i

LIST OF ACRONYMS / ABBREVIATION / DEFINITIONS ACs - Area Councils

BAC - Business Advisory Centre

BHC - British High Commission

COMPASS - Community Public Address System

CSOs - Civil society Organisations

DA - District Assembly

DAs - District Assemblies

DCE - District Chief Executive

DMTDP - District Medium Term Development Plan

FBOs - Faith Based Organisations

FGD - Focus Group Discussions

GES - Ghana Education Service

GenCED - Gender Centre for Empowering Development

GoG - Government of Ghana

GSS - Ghana Statistical Service

HOD - Heads of Department

ISD - Information Service Department

L.I - Legislative Instrument

LOGODEP - Local Governance and Decentralization Program

MLGRD - Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

MSI - Management System International

M/M/DCE - Metropolitan/Municipal/ District Chief Executive

MTDP(s) - Medium Term Development Plan(s)

MP - Member of Parliament

NCCE - National Commission for Civic Education

NGOs - Non-governmental Organization(s)

PHC - Population and Housing Census

PM - Presiding Member

PRCC - Public Relation and Complaints Committee

PTM - Project Management Team

RCC - Regional Co-ordinating Council

SWMA - Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

UC - Unit Committee

UCs - Unit Committees

UNDEF - United Nations Democracy Fund

USAID - United State Agency forInternational Development

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List of Tables

Gender Disaggregation of Respondents by District /Municipal 1

Number of Assembly member sin Juaboso District Assembly 2

Number of Assembly members in Bia West District Assembly 3

Number of Assembly members in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly 4

List of figures

The Local Government Structure 1

The District Assembly Structure 2

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In line with the implementationof a two year project funded by the United Nations Democracy

Fund (UNDEF) titled “Strengthening participation of women in geographically deprived

communities in local governance in Ghana/Western Region’’. GenCED commissioned local

Consultants to conduct a baseline survey to investigate the issues of women inclusiveness in

development planning and budgetary process and the logic for gender inclusiveness in local

government activities. To all the Interviewees and participants of the validation workshop, we

extend our gratitude.

GenCED would like to thank the authors Mr. Gilbert Sam & Mr. Richard Adupong for their

invaluable technical support for the completion of the study.

For all persons and Institutions who contributed in diverse ways in the preparation of this

Baseline study document but whose names have not been mentioned, we extend our sincere

gratitude.

Finally, this document remains the property of GenCED and we are solely responsible for its

contents.

…………………………………………………

Esther Tawiah

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 Introduction

The local Government Act, Act 462 provides opportunities for citizens to be involved in

the decision-making process at the local level. Indeed the Act requires inclusiveness in

the local governance irrespective of the gender, belief system, social statuses,

geographical location, physical disabilities in the development planning and budgeting

process at all levels to ensure the attainment of the development goals of the District

Assembly.

It is in this light that Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) with

support from United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) commissioned local

Consultants to conduct a baseline survey to primarily investigate the level of women

inclusiveness in decision making process at the district level as well as establish the logic

for gender inclusiveness in the development planning and budgetary processes.

Essentially, this baseline study was conducted in response to the need for greater women

involvement in development planning in order to sustain gender mainstreaming in the

planning and decision making processes at the local level and also establish district

specific baseline values for each of the outcome indicators to facilitate an assessment of

project achievements upon project completion.

2.0 Objectives

The objectives of the baseline study are to:

explore and establish the socio- cultural, economic and political context of women

inclusiveness in local governance and community development;

investigate the level of women inclusiveness in decision making process at the district

level;

establish the logic for gender inclusiveness in thedevelopment planning and

budgetary processes; and

Update district specific baseline values for each of the project outcome indicators to

facilitate an assessment of project achievements upon project completion.

3.0 Methodology

The Consultants carried out field visits between 19thand 21st November 2014 in Juaboso,

Bia West Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal to collect information relative to women

participation in decision making at the district level. Stakeholders interviewed included:

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women groups, PWDs, local NGOs, community members and district assembly officials

in the three target Districts/Municipal.

The findings for each District/Municipal Assembly are informed by:

Interviewing different stakeholders in the target District/Municipal including officials

of the District/Municipal Assemblies, community members, representatives of local

NGOs, women groups/associations, and PWDs;

Holding FGDs with women groups/associations. FGD targeted 6 persons in a group

per District/Municipal; and

Validating the preliminary findings with 50 women in the Bia West District.

Table 1 below shows gender disaggregation of respondents by District.

Table 1: Gender Disaggregation of Respondents by District

Gender/District Juaboso

District

Bia West

District

Sefwi Wiawso

Municipal

Grand

Total

Male 8 3 4 15

Female 14 17 16 47

Total 22 20 20 62

4.0 Key Findings

Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in

local governance and community development As noted in the literature review and responses from the study, in spite of the pivotal role

Ghanaian women play within society, women do not occupy key decision-making

positions in many of the sectors be it social, economic and political. Ironically, at the

district level, women equate local governance to politics such that they do not want to be

involved in local governance because of the insults that people rain on public office

holders.

In the surveyed districts/Municipal, women are perceived to be among the poorest of the

poor; they are less educated, and earn lower incomes. For example, majority of the

women are petty traders and peasant farmers. Thus, due to the financial constraints

confronting women, they are unable to contest in local elections. The statistics available

on women representation in the Assemblies attest to the fact that only a few women are

holding political leadership positions. For example, in Juaboso District only 4 out of the

24 Assembly members are women, in Bia West District only 4 out of the 41 Assembly

members are women, and in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal only 5 out of the 45 Assembly

members are women.

Respondents’ views were that there are no cultural barriers hindering women

participation in local governance and community development. Some respondents were

of view that innately women often seek approval from their husbands before attending

any public event. In Bia West District, one of the respondents noted that “there is

widespread perception that a woman’s place is the kitchen and also the perception that

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men have broader knowledge than women.” These practices has over the years have

somewhat become societal norms.

As noted by Honourable Rose Adu–Darko, Retired Educationist and Assemblywoman of

Juaboso District “women are not participating in local governance at the district level

because their husbands do not give their wives the chance to participate and women do

not have time for extra activities outside normal duties at home.” ‘’we the women prefer

to take the middle or back seats at community meetings and allow their husbands to

occupy the front seat because they are the men, we agree with what they say.’’

District Level Women Advocacy Platform for Dialoguing and Monitoring of

Assembly’s Business

The findings of the study confirm that there are no women advocacy platforms in the

three target project districts where women meet to dialogue and strategies to

participate and monitor Assembly’s business i.e. planning and budgeting. However,

respondents admitted that there are Ad-hoc platforms. These Ad-hoc women

platforms are primarily concerned with welfare related issues rather than local

governance.

The only organized and recognized women groups which are active, vibrant and also

perceived as champions of women issues in the surveyed District/Municipal are either

religious or politically oriented. Consequently, they are unable to represent and also

speak for all women as the platform being proposed by GenCED/UNDEF will do.

Analysis of the 2013 LOGODEP Citizen Participation in local government survey

showed that engagement platforms to seek consensus on issues affecting the welfare

of the people are weak. Again, assessments of the 2010 -2013 Medium Term

Development Plans (MTDPs) of the surveyed Districts showed that women are

largely organized into co-operative groups or associations basically to secure credit

facilities from the rural banks.

The findings of the study further revealed that some empowerment training

workshops have been organized for some women but these trainings did not result in

mobilising the beneficiaries to come together to form permanent women advocacy

platforms to champion women issues at the district level.

Regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s

participation, as well as, Track Government Expenditure and Service

Delivery.

A large majority of the respondents in the surveyed Districts/Municipal responded in

the negative when asked whether there are regular fora to gather all stakeholders to

discuss and monitor women’s participation as well as track government expenditure

and service delivery. Thus, corroborating information in GenCED’S project

documents which also alluded to the fact that there are no regular fora to gather all

stakeholders to discuss and monitor women issues. Nonetheless, analysis of the

MTDPs of the surveyed Districts / Municipal revealed that there are some monitoring

mechanisms in place to ensure women participation. For example, the Social Welfare

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Department and Gender Desk Office of the Assemblies are mandated not only to

monitor women participation but also to promote women participation. As noted in

the findings women involvement is greater and stronger at the community and Area

Councils level a situation that could be explored as a best practice model in the quest

to ensure that women are indeed participating in decision making processes that affect

their wellbeing.

Aware and Knowledgeable about the local Government Act guaranteeing

citizens’ rights to participate in local governance

The findings of this study showed that a few (12%) of local people particularly

women across the surveyed Districts/Municipal are aware and knowledgeable about

the Local Governance Act, 1993. However, Sefwi Wiawso Municipality is the only

exception where respondents indicated that about 40% of the people in Municipality

are aware of the Local Government Act. Many of the respondents were of the view

that “a lot of people know the District Assemblies as physical infrastructure and are

able to locate the Assemblies but do not really care about the Assembly’s business.”

Arguably, the findings of this baseline study contradict that of LOGODEP 2013,

Citizen Participation in local government survey which indicated that only 29% of the

local people in the three districts reported having knowledge of the Local Governance

ACT, 1993.

Sources of Information concerning local government activities

Access to information and awareness of the activities of the Assemblies is

generally low among the citizenry. This can be attributed to ignorance of the

available channels of information to the citizens. The findings of this study support

that of the 2013 LOGODEP survey finding which says radio is the main source of

information on local government activities. However, other channels of information

identified during this study are Community Public Address System, COMPASS1,

Assembly’s notice board, Information Service Department (ISD), National

Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), NGOs and Churches, DCE community

visits, MPs Community visits, meetings, and Assembly members.

The findings of this study further revealed that the Public Relations Unit is the

official mouthpiece of the Assembly and performs the duty of relaying information

from the Assembly to the public and vice versa. It arranges press conferences and

coverage and also reacts to media reports. The findings also indicated that Assembly

members who are residents in the various electoral areas are also required by the law

to provide information on programmes and decisions of the Assembly to the

electorates.

1COMPASS is an important communication channel in the rural areas . It is the medium use by the community to pass on vital information concerning developmental and social. Since this medium is community owned, it is accessible to all who the need its services.

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Access to Information and involvement in Assembly’s Development Planning

and Budget Processes

The findings of this study show that less than 20% of the women had information

about the Assembly’s budget. Respondents agreed that some women do visit the

Assemblies. However, their reasons for visiting the Assemblies are to procure license

or look for support or employment opportunities or collect their impounded animals.

Women who visit the Assemblies do not look for information or go to the notice

boards to read.

It is thought-provoking to know that there is no woman on the Development Planning

Sub-Committee of Bia West District. Juaboso District Assembly has 3 women out of

the 13-member committee whereas Sefwi Wiawso Municipal had only one woman

out of a 7-member Committee. This clearly shows that women participation in

development planning and Budget processes in its true sense is limited.

In Bia West District, for example, Budgets hearing are held on Thursdays which

incidentally happens to be a market day so women are unable to attend such fora.

The findings of the study further indicated that women abstain from such meetings as

a result of not being directly invited.

Data on Women Engagement Success Stories

Respondents when asked if there is any information on success stories on women

engagement where the local authority has granted a request or demand made by

women? They said the District has no record of any women engagement success

stories.

However, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly’s 2014-2017 MTDP has been

lauded to be gender sensitive partly because GenCED with support from British High

Commission (BHC) in 2014 gathered data and developed community action plans.

These Action plans were submitted to the Assembly for incorporation into the MTDP.

It is remarkable to know that the current budget of Bia West District has a budget line

of 30, 000 Ghana Cedis for women empowerment initiatives.

Conclusion

GenCED believes that the findings of the survey, with all its limitations, provides the

public and policy makers with some useful information on women involvement in

local governance and community development. Some of the findings are particularly

interesting in that, they corroborate other findings of GenCED and other organisations

and individuals. This calls for serious reflection and considerate actions to address the

issues raised by respondents.

Notable findings of the study included:

Nonexistence of women advocacy platforms in the three target project

districtswhere women meet to dialogue and strategies to participate and monitor

Assembly’s business i.e. planning and budgeting;

Absence of regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s

participation as well as track government expenditure and service delivery;

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Low access to information and awareness of the activities of the Assemblies is

generally among the citizenry; and

Less than 20% of the women had information about the Assembly’s budget.

In the nutshell, the enthusiasm with which residents in the three target districts

responded to the initiative of institutionalizing permanent District women advocacy

platforms was overwhelming. It is therefore safe to conclude that there is willingness

on the part of the project beneficiaries to get the platforms established and

operationalised. These Platforms should be in a position to create the necessary

opportunities for women participation in decision making by encouraging an all-

inclusive local governance system where the voices of the voiceless are taken into

consideration in the preparation and implementation of Medium Term Development

Plans (MTDPs) and annual district budgets of the Local Government Authorities. It

is envisioned that the platforms will afford women the opportunity to channel their

demands to the District Assemblies and also enhance participation in decision-making

particularly in the Planning framework to ensure gender inclusiveness.

Recommendations

1. In constituting the district level platforms for women, GenCED should ensure that

membership covers all Area Councils in a particular district to ensure a balance

representation on the Platforms.

2. GenCED should also make a conscious effort to recruit platform members from

existing women groups/associations especially the Faith-Based Organizations which

are noted for championing right based agendas including women issues.

3. To motivate the women, and sustain the platform, GenCED could consider working

with the non-formal education division of the target Assemblies to provide basic

literacy training for the women. This illiteracy programme will serve as incentive and

encourage other women who also want to learn to join the Platforms.

4. GenCED through this project should educate the local people about other sources of

information available i.e. Public Relation Unit of the Assemblies, Community Public

Address System, COMPASS, feedback mechanism by Assembly members, public

forums when seeking information about the local government activities. GenCED

could also consider providing COMPASS facility in some selected communitiesas

part of the organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

5. GenCED should consider launching the platforms to raise funds, levying its members

in the form of membership dues and then use its revenues to establish credit union to

support its members.

6. As most of the women cannot read and/or write, it will be appropriate to use local

drama (in their own language) to showcase issues of local governance to enable them

better understand the critical issues around local governance and women

participation.

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CHAPTER 1

1.0 Introduction

Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) with support from United Nations

Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is implementing a 2-year project titled “Strengthening

participation of women in geographically deprived communities in local governance in the

Western Region of Ghana”. In line with the implementation of the project activities,

GenCED commissioned local Consultants to conduct a baseline survey to investigate the

level of women inclusiveness in decision making process at the district level as well as

establish the logic for gender inclusiveness in the development planning and budgetary

processes.

Essentially, this baseline study was conducted in response to the need for greater women

involvement in development planning in order to sustain gender mainstreaming in planning

and decision making processes at the local g level and also establish district specific baseline

values for each of the outcome indicators to facilitate an assessment of project achievements

upon project completion.

This report outlines the details of the desk reviews and summarizes the responses received

during Focus Group Discussions with women groups and interviews held between19th and

21st November 2014 in Juaboso District, Bia West District and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal

during a field visit, as well as, a validation workshop held for 50 women and some selected

key stakeholders on 10th December, 2014 in Bia West District.

This survey will serve as the baseline for effective monitoring of the project objectives,

outputs and outcome during the implementation of the project.

1.1 Background

The underlying factor behind the Baseline study is the wide gap between men and women

representation in the Metropolitan/Municipal/Districts Assemblies in Ghana including the

three project target Districts/Municipal i.e. Juaboso District, Bia West District and Sefwi

Wiawso Municipal in the Western Region of Ghana. Statistics available showed that male

Assembly members far exceed their female counterparts. This gender inequality has resulted

in low women participation in decision making at the local level. Indeed, at the local level,

the Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assembliesare the highest political authority, and they

have deliberative, legislative and executive powers.Their composition, powers and duties are

prescribed in the Local Government Act 1993 (Act 462).

Other essential factors underpinning this study are: the non-existence of a common advocacy

platform for women and socially excluded to meet, dialogue, gather concerns into action

plans to engage the Local Government Authorities for solutions; Medium Term Development

Plan (MTDPs) and Budget prepared by men, thus, failing to take account of the different

2

roles, capabilities and needs of women, thereby, reinforcing the existing gender inequalities

in the planning and decision making process in Ghana’s local governance system.

This baseline study is therefore part of a bigger 2-year project activities slated to be

implemented in Juaboso District, Bia West District and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal in the

Western Region of Ghana with the aim to increase women participation in local governance.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of the baseline study are to:

explore and establish the socio- cultural, economic and political context of women

inclusiveness in local governance and community development;

investigate the level of women inclusiveness in decision making process at the district

level;

establish the logic for gender inclusiveness in development planning and budgetary

processes; and

update district specific baseline values for each of the project outcome indicators to

facilitate an assessment of project achievements upon project completion.

1.3 Significance of the Study

Optimistically, the results of this study will have positive implication to the following:

GenCED: with the result of this study, Project Team Management (PTM) of GenCED would

have a better grasp of the critical issues about people’s perception on gender inclusiveness in

development planning and budgetary processes. Thus, the results of this study will help

GenCED‘s PTM to reconsider and update some of the baseline values for each of the

outcome indicators in order to facilitate an assessment of project achievements upon project

completion. It will also help GenCED‘s PTM to develop appropriate training modules for

project beneficiaries.

National and Local Government Authorities: The findings of this study would bring to the

fore the wide gender gap in the Assemblies and the need to reduced it. The findings of this

study will help policy makers to better appreciate gender mainstreaming in the planning and

decision making processes at the local level. Again, policy makers would realised the need to

appoint more women to the Assembly in the event that women do not get elected in the 2015

District level elections.

The General Public: the results of this study can be an important guide for general public to

change their perceptions by voting for women aspirants in the 2015 District level elections to

bridge the wide gap between male and female.

Researchers and Students: This Study may serve as a pilot study for other researchers and

students, to replicate the study.

1.4 Scope of the Study

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In order to address the central issue of study, which is to analyze women involvement in

development planning and decision making processes at the local level, the Consultants

delimited the study to Juaboso District, Bia West Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal as

per GenCED Project document.

1.5 Limitations of the Study

In the course of conducting this study, some constraints were encountered, which to some

extent are likely to have some impact on the findings of this study. Some of the limitations

identified are presented below.

The study was limited to Juaboso, Bia Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal,

therefore, generalization of some notable findings and facts of the study were limited

to the study districts/Municipal.

Financial resource for the research was inadequate, thus, restricted the Consultants

from undertaking extensive field work.

Time allocation for desk review was limited and constrained the Consultants from

spending more time in reviewing other relevant literatures.

Most of the direct project beneficiaries (women) were ignorant about the work of the

Assemblies so could not adequately answer some of the questions asked by the

Consultants. This somehow impacted on the reliability of the data gathered.

1.6 Structure of Report

The study is structured into five chapters. Chapter one is an introduction and presentation of

the research objectives, significant of the study, scope of the study, as well as some

limitations of the study. Chapter two presents the relevant literature on the subject. Chapter

three focuses on research methodology. Chapter four presents the data collected and further

analyze the data for discussions in Chapter five. Chapter five discusses and interprets the

major findings of the study from an empirical point of view. The chapter further presents the

conclusions, implications and recommendations.

4

CHAPTER 2

2. Literature Review

This chapter provides a review of literature relevant to the study. In particular, the chapter

examines the concept local governance in the Ghanaian context, legislative framework for

local governance in Ghana, the local government arrangement in Ghana, institutional

constraints confronting the local government system, women in local government as well as

socio-cultural, economic andpolitical context hindering women inclusiveness in local

governance and community development

2.1 Local Governance in the Ghanaian Context

Governance and for that matter, local governance was in existence before the arrival of the

Europeans in Ghana. Undeniably, Ghanaian society had their own local governance system

where the head of government in the communities was the chief, supported by his elders.

With the coming of the British to Gold Coast the leadership and the dynamics of local

governance centered on the Chiefs changed drastically. The Indirect Rule System was

introduced by the colonial government where they hand-picked some influential people to

help them administer law and order (ILS /Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Ghana, 2011).

After independence in 1957, successive government implemented various forms of

decentralisation and local government policies aimed at involving citizens in decision

making process i.e. bringing governance closer to the people. In 1988 initiated the Local

Government System by the enacting the Local Government Law, 1988 (PNDC Law 207)

which subsequently led to the creation of 110 District Assemblies. The passage of local

government Act of 1993, (Act 462) occasioned the creation of more District Assemblies,

from 138 in 2004 to 170 in 2008 and then in 2012 the government further increased the

assemblies to 216.

The Act 462 gave autonomy to the District Assemblies in the day-to-day administration and

development of the District based on approved plans of the Assemblies. The Assembly is

headed by the Metropolitan/Municipal/District Chief Executive, is composed of

representatives of the people in the districts. Act 462 demands active citizens participation

with provisions including 70% representation of the people through elections, and the other

30% is appointed by the central government in consultation with Traditional Authorities and

interests groups in the District2. The appointed membership is intended to ensure

representation of key interest groups and sections of the population and to infuse technical

expertise (by appointing some key professionals) into the Assembly.

The National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (480) also provides room for

citizens’ participation in the development planning process of the Assemblies. The law

makes it mandatory for local government to allow citizens to participate in local development

planning through public hearing and also through feedbacks either directly or through the

people’s representatives (Assembly members).

2Local Government Act No. 462 of 1993, Section 3 (2)(b).

5

2.2 Legislative Frameworks for Local Governance in Ghana

Ghana’s decentralization policy originates from Chapter 20 of the 1992 Constitution and is

operationalised by the Local Government Act (Act 462) of 1993. The spirit of the

decentralization policy is basically to transfer power, authority and responsibility from

National government to Local government. The overarching objective of the decentralization

policy is to make local governments effective centers of self-governance, local participation,

decision making, planning and development.

Below are specific legislative frameworks stipulating how the national and local government

authorities should engage Ghanaians in decision making process that affect their wellbeing,

The current Local Government System was initiated by the enactment of the Local

Government Law, 1988 (PNDC Law 207);

The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Chapter 6 and 20) gives impetus

the Decentralization Policy;

The Local Government Act (Act 462 of 1993) provides the legal basis for the

implementation of Decentralization;

The District Assemblies Common Fund Act (Act 455);

The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479);

The National Development Planning Systems Act, 1994 (Act 480);

Town and Country Planning Ordinance of 1945 (Cap 84 under review);

The Local Government (Urban, Zonal and Town Councils and Unit Committees)

Establishment Instrument of 1994, LI 1589 (has now been replaced by LI 1967;

The Local Government (Departments of District Assemblies) Commencement

Instrument LI 1961;

LI 1983: Local Government (Creation of New District Electoral Areas and

Designation of Units), 2010;

Local Government Service Act, 2003 (Act 647);

Financial Memoranda for MMDAs – June 2004 (Ghana Gazette, No. 35, 20th

August, 2004);

The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663);

The Institute of Local Government Studies Act, 2003 (Act 647); and

The District Assemblies Common Fund Act, 1994 (Act 455)

6

2.3 The Local Government System Arrangement in Ghana

Conventionally, Ghana’s sub- national governance structures are characterized as a four-tier

or a three-tier structure depending on the type of MMDA. Figure1 presents the basic

characteristics of the local government structure in Ghana

Fig.1: The Local Government Structure

Source: Introduction to Ghana Local government System, ILGS, 2008

Membership of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC)

Regional Minister as chairman and his deputies

Regional Coordinating Director as secretary

Presiding Member of each MMDA

Chief Executive of each MMDA in the region

Two Chiefs as representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs

Regional Heads of Decentralized Departments (they are non-voting members)

Functions of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC)

Monitor, co-ordinate and evaluate the performance of the Metropolitan, Municipal and

District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region

Monitor the use of all monies allocated to the MMDAs by any agency of the Central

Government

Review and co-ordinate public service generally in the region

Regional Coordinating Council

Metropolitan Assembly Municipal Assembly District Assembly

Sub- Metropolitan District Councils

Town/Area Councils Zonal Councils

Urban/Town/Area Councils

Unit Committees

7

Resolve any conflict between an MMDA and an agency of Central Government , Public

Corporation, Statutory Body, Non-Governmental Organization or individuals

Provide security including managing conflicts in the region: chieftaincy, tribal, land and

religious disputes

Provide MMDAs with information and data necessary to assist them in the formulation of

District Development Plans

Co-ordinate the plans and programs of the MMDAs and harmonize them with National

Development Policies and priorities

Composition of District Assembly

The District Chief Executive (DCE)

One person from each Local Government Electoral Area within the district who are

elected (Assembly Members)

Member(s) of Parliament representing constituencies within the district (as non-voting

members)

Other members not more than 30% of all the members of the District Assembly,

appointed by the President in consultation with Traditional Authorities and interest

groups in the district

Functions of the Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assembly

Exercise political and administrative authority in the district

Constitute the planning authority for the district (formulate and execute plans, programs

and strategies for the overall development of the district

Responsible for the overall development in the district

Formulation and approval of budget of the district

Have deliberative, legislative and executive functions

Making by-laws

Maintains security and public safety in the district

Promote justice by ensuring ready access to the courts in the district

Provision of infrastructure (schools, clinic etc)

Provision of municipal services (sanitation, water, play grounds etc)

Levy and collect taxes, rates, fees, etc to generate revenue

Functions of Urban/Town/Zonal/Area Councils

Performs functions assigned to them by the instruments setting them up e.g. development

of their area, preparation of Area Plans etc

Performs functions assigned to the by the Assemblies

Record keeping of all rate able persons and properties in their Area

8

Assist any person authorized by the MMDAs to collect revenues due to the Assembly

Recommend to the Assembly the naming of all streets in its area of authority and cause

all buildings in the streets to be numbered

Plant trees in any street and to erect tree-guards to protect them so that the streets are not

unduly obstructed

Prevent and control fire outbreaks including bush fire

Prepare annual budgets of revenues and recurrent and development budget of the Urban

or Town Council for the approval of the Assemblies

Structure of the Assembly

The Assemblies are made up of the General Assembly, the Executive committee (Cabinet) and

Sub-Committees (provided for in the Act 462 but not applicable to Metropolitan Assemblies

which have provisions in their establishing legislations, coordinating directorate (Central

Administration) andDepartments of the District Assembly

Fig.2: The District Assembly Structure

The General Assembly

It is the highest decision making body of the District

It is the political and administrative authority in the district

It performs deliberative, legislative and executive functions of the District

These functions are performed under the leadership of the Presiding Member (PM)

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

Public Relations & Complaints Committee

Executive Committee

Development Planning Sub-

Committee

Social Services Sub-Committee

Works Sub-Committee

Finance & Administration Sub-Committee

Justice & Security Sub-Committee

Others

9

Committees of the Assembly:

1. Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC)

- This Committee is chaired by the Presiding Member (PM)

- The Committee receives complains made against the conduct of members of staff of

the Assembly from the public and make recommendations to the Assembly

- Performs other functions that the assembly may determine

2. The Executive committee (Cabinet)

- Its composition shall not be more than one-third of the total number of assembly

Members elected by the members from among themselves

- The PM is not eligible to be a member of the Executive Committee

- The DCE chairs the Executive Committee

- In the absence of the DCE, a member of the Executive Committee elected by the

members present from among themselves shall preside

Functions of the Executive Committee include:

- Responsible for coordinating plans and programs of the sub-committees and

submitting these plans as comprehensive plans of action to the General Assembly

- Recommends to the DA the coordination, integration and harmonization of District

Development Plans and Policies

- Implements resolutions of the DA, recommends the appointment and replacement of

officers within the area of authority of the Assembly

- Adopts measures to develop and execute approved plans of the Units, Areas and

Town Councils within the area of authority of the Assembly

- Oversee the administration of the district in conjunction with the office of the Chief

Executives

3. Sub-Committees

- There are five (5) Statutory Sub-Committees namely:

o Development Planning Sub-Committee

o Social Services Sub-Committee

o Works Sub-Committee

o Finance and Administration Sub-Committee

o Justice and Security Sub-Committee

- DAs can add more Sub-Committees depending on the needs in the district

- Each Sub-Committee shall consist of such members of the DA; except that each

member of the DA shall serve on at least one Sub-Committee

- The Presiding Member is not supposed to join any of the Sub-Committees

- Heads of Departments of the DA shall attend the meetings of the Sub-Committees

and shall advise them on issues but shall not have a right to vote in the execution of

their functions.

4. Other Committees in the Local Government environment

10

- DISEC

- Program Management Committees

- DIC of School feeding Program

- etc

Roles and Functions of the Assembly Member

Participating in the work and activities of the Assembly such as attending meetings and

taking part in discussions

Joining and participating in committees of the Assembly

Consultation with electorate (solicit citizens views, giving feedback and reporting to

electorates

Education of electorate and creating awareness on national policies and issues

Educating the people on their rights, privileges, obligations and responsibilities and

provide focal point for discussion of local matters

Mobilize the community members for development

Helps in ,monitoring and evaluation of plans and programs of districts and electoral area

Education and awareness creation on topical issues such as education, HIV/AIDS,

children’s health and education

Information generation and management at community level

Advocacy and lobbying at the Assembly

Attend social gatherings

Liaison with private and public organizations

Other Actors in the Local Government environment

Traditional Authorities

- Promote progressive traditional values in their communities

- Mobilize community members for the development of the district

- Manage natural resources in the district on behalf of the communities

- Manage and resolve conflicts within the communities

- Sit on various committees as advisors

- Serve as knowledgeable people for consultation on affairs concerning the community

- Release land for development and also resolve land dispute

Social and Economic Groups (SEGs)

- Important for the stimulation and growth of the local economy

- They liaise with the DA to explore investment opportunities and enhance growth

through employment provision to the citizens

- They pay taxes as well as satisfy other social obligations which complements the DAs

development process

- They also undertake education and sensitization of the public on policy and local

development issues

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

11

- Provide resources to the community and the Assembly

- Organize the community to undertake projects

- Build capacity of the community and the Assembly through training etc

- Undertake advocacy on behalf of communities and interest groups

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

- They undertake civic responsibility in the district

- They also initiate social audit processes in the communities to demand accountability

from the Assembly in the use of resources

- They undertake advocacy on behalf of communities and interest groups

Market Associations and Small Business Associations

- Regular dialogue and engagement between them and the DA leads to consensus

building

- And peaceful development in most MMDAs

- Honouring tax obligations in order to win the support of the DA

- Formation of groups to qualify them for financial and other support from the DA and

NGOs working in the district

Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)

- Inculcate moral uprightness into the youth and their congregation which facilitate

peace and societal cohesion for development

- Promote good moral value and ethics for both societal advancement and national

policy reforms

- Support in conflict resolution and management as well as public education on issues

of development

- Plays advisory roles in meetings and committees at the local level

Formal Private Sector

- Provide resources to be used for the development of the districts

- Live up to their social obligation by paying taxes

- Demand accountability from the DA

- Promote local economic development and employment

- Provide basic services to the citizenry and the Assembly

12

- Provide inputs into the DA planning and budgeting including fee fixing resolutions

and revenue mobilization

Media

- The Media has gradually become the fourth (4th) Arm of Government in Ghana

- It plays the role of advocacy and promotes good governance in the area of ensuring

transparency and accountability and political decorum

- Conflict resolution and management

- Contributing to policy reforms and general national development

- Engaging with Local Government Authorities on development issues

- Engaging with NGOs and Development Partners for the mobilization of the citizenry

and resources for development especially bridging the development gap of Central

Government

2.4 Institutional Constraints confronting the Ghanaian Local Government System

The decentralisation policy of Ghana aims at devolving power closer to the people, as noted

in the Local Government Act of 1993. The sub-structures of the Assemblies play a vital role

in ensuring that people are able to participate in local governance. However, there have been

difficulties turning these intentions into practice.3The sub-structures of the Assemblies

especially the Unit Committees which is the pillar of the decentralization system are very

weak. What is remarkable is that although more than 16,000 Unit Committees have been

prescribed by law, there are about 8,000 that in reality are functioning (ILGS, 2008).

Currently, the Unit Committees are unable to perform their basic functions as result of

inadequate resources and capacities to mobilize and educate the citizens about government

policies and programs, and also to ensure quality services delivery to the citizens. In addition,

the Unit Committee has also not been responsive and reactive to their community

needs.These institutional failures have increased citizens’ apathy towards local government

businesses and further deepened the disconnection between the local government authorities

and the communities which in effect has reduced involvement and participation of the

voiceless (women and the youth ) in decision making.

2.5 Women in Local Government

From independence gender disparity in decision-making process has been a major issue

confronting Ghana. Thus, participation of women in public affairs has been minimal and

hindered by numerous factors to mention but a few; weak or non-existence of women

engagement platforms, women are busy with house chores, fear of being criticize, weak

capacity of women, among others.

3Joint Government of Ghana and Development Partner Decentralisation Policy Review, 3.

13

With the inauguration of the fourth Republican Constitution in 1992, Ghana has committed

to improving the gender equality level in the country and at different levels of governance.

The Constitution set out very clearly a fundamental commitment of male and female before

the law, custom or tradition. Subsequent policies and programmes reinforced gender

provisions in the Constitution by promoting the empowerment of women across the country.

Successive governments in the fourth republic have so far made various commitments to

improved women participation in public life through policies such as the establishments of a

special Ministry for Women, and creation of gender desks in the District Assemblies. In spite

of the numerous legislations, policies, directives and the verbal commitments of the various

governments, the reality still remains that only a few Ghanaians particularly women and

people living in geographically deprived areas are involve in decision making at the

national, regional and local levels. The facts also remain that majority of the people in the

helms of decision making are men.

Critical to local governance, is that women’s representation among elected Assembly

members has always been low. In 1998, the Government of Ghana gave a directive that

reserved 30% of the appointed membership of assemblies for women. In the Western Region,

only 28 women were elected as Assembly Members as against 515 men in the 2010 District

Assembly Elections. Looking the gender disparity in the governance system, past

governments have made efforts to raise the number of appointed female Assembly members

by increasing the quota from 30 to 50 per cent.

Below are tables 1, 2, and 3 depicting male and female Assembly persons in the Juaboso and

Bia West District Assemblies as well as Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly.

Table 2: Number of Assembly Membersin Juaboso District Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 17 3 20

Female 3 1 4

Total 20 4 24

Source: Juaboso District Assembly

Table 3: Number of Assembly Members in Bia West District Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 27 9 36

Female 1 4 5

Total 28 13 41

Source: Bia West District Assembly

Table 4: Number of Assembly Members in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 31 10 41

Female 0 4 4

14

Total 31 14 45

Source: Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

2.6 Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in local

governance and community development

Worldwide, gender inequality leads to discrimination, social injustice, and sub-optimal

economic progress due to a serious neglect of a large part of society’s human resources and

to deficient democracies. The fewer women in a society participate in formal decision-

making, the less it is that the decisions made are working in favour of more gender equality.

The representation of women in formal decision making positions is, therefore, an important

factor to improve gender equality (Tsikata, 2009).

In Ghana women have contributed immensely to the social, economic and political

development of Ghana right from independence time to date. They have also participated in

policy making towards women’s issues and gender equity at various level of governance. As

pointed out by (Tsikata, 2009) in spite of this long history of engagement, women are largely

absent from mainstream political decision making processes. Again, Tsikata, 2009 noted that

women and men generally are active in community affairs. However, their involvement is

gendered, with men dominating community governance institutions such as chieftaincy and

the sub-structures of the district Assemblies.

In some rural communities, the Assembly’s sub-structure like the unit committee is

considered as male associations. This perception is carried through to the national level and it

has translated into male numerical advantage and political dominance of the DAs level of

governance. A few women who make time to participate in local governance activities do not

get hold of the direct benefits because of the common practice especially in the rural

communities where women are expected to exercise their rights indirectly through their

husbands and/or men. Regrettably, some women have also been conditioned to uphold the

male supremacy – such that presently some men are taking undue advantage to marginalize

and exclude women in decision making. This among others have resulted in low social

standing, negative self-image, lack of confidence, lack of assertiveness, fear of being

criticized and apathy on part of most rural women to hold public offices.

As (Ofei-Aboagye, 2006) pointed out that, women’s relationship with the Assembly has

several facets as provider of local services, employees and service providers of the District

Assembly; as citizens with rights to the services and resources of the District; as members of

the Assembly and as voters and as aspirants; and women’s group as vehicles for demanding

accountability. Thus, gender equity is also needed in the area of service delivery, economic

support and opportunity and participation in public decisions of the District (Tsikata, 2009)

Many socio economic factors do not encourage women in public life. For example, most

rural women depend on their husbands for survival. Worse of all, women traditionally is not

permissible to own lands and even those who do are held in trust for the man. Land

ownership is critical for women rights in Ghana since land is a resource for livelihoods of a

large majority of Ghanaians particularly those in the rural areas. Thus, persons who control

15

land also gain social, political power and authority; therefore, women’s unequal land rights

affected their access to social, political power and authority (The women manifesto for

Ghana, 2004).

In Ghana, the phenomenon of weak capacity on the part of women to engage the local

government authorities is widespread in many rural communities. This can partly be

attributed to: high illiteracy rate, poor understanding of the core issues at the centre of

development planning, inability of women to respond to policy opportunities, women poor

knowledge of decentralization and local governance system, and poor information flow and

on existing structures of accountability.

According to the 2010 – 2013 MTDP of Juaboso District, women have heavier time burdens,

lower rates of utilization of production resources and lower literacy rates. Inequalities with

respect to access to and control of assets such as land, credit, education, human and social

assets such as participation at various levels of decision making, legal rights and protection,

do not favour women in the district. Their participation in decisions affecting their

communities is very low. Apart from the sacrifices they make a greater percentage of

domestic violence that occur are perpetrated against women, these are particularly evident in

the semi-urban town of Juaboso, Afere, Bodi and Bonsu Nkwanta. Economic, political

social and cultural emancipation of women is a priority of the district.

16

CHAPTER 3

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction

The preceding chapter detailed the literature underpinning this study. The literature review

helped the Consultants to shortlist the core thematic areas for the study. This chapter

provides relevant information on the research methodology.

3.2 Research Methodology

Both primary and secondary data sources were explored. Secondary data was generated

through review of relevant literatures whereas primary data was generated from Focus Group

Discussions (FGD) with selected women. Telephone and face to face interviews were also

conducted. The internet was also used to gather relevant materials.

The study began with a desk review of relevant literatures such as 2010-2013 MTDPs of the

Assemblies, and GenCED’s project document and reports. The desk reviews of relevant

literatures were systematically carried out and analyzed to provide background for the

baseline assessment. Where feasible, the consultants also collected data by other studies

relevant to this assignment to enrich the assessment.

As part of the primary data collection exercise, an Interview guide was developed following

the desk reviews to guide the FGD processes. The Consultants from 19th- 21st November

2014 spent one day in each of the three target districts conducting FGDs and stakeholders’

interviews. During the same period, the Consultants held three FGDs, one per each districts.

A total of 12 key stakeholders were interviewed, four per each District. The FDGs and

interviews were held in Juaboso, Bia West Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal during a

District level stakeholders meetings organised by GenCED. This was later followed by a

validation workshop.

The baseline data generated from the desk reviews, FGDs and interviewswere summarized

and presented back to a sampled of the project beneficiaries and key stakeholders. They were

tasked to review and validate the data or to change the data in a validation workshop held in

Essam, the district capital of Bia West District. A total of 50 women from the three target

Districts/Municipal participated in the workshop. Breakdowns are as follows: Juaboso

District – 15 women, Bia West District – 20 women and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal – 15

women. Bia West District was selected as the venue for the validation workshop.

During the data collection emphasis was placed on understanding and documenting what

were said by the respondents regardless of whether or not their perception and opinions may

be factually incorrect from the Consultants’ point of views.

The qualitative data helped in seeking to achieve depth and nuance in understanding

perception of local people in respect of local governance. The Consultants completed

17

analysis of data gathered taking into consideration comments from the validation exercise.

The validation exercise confirmed the Consultants understanding of what were said by the

respondents. It also revealed the degree of receptivity to the data and implication for actions.

The study districts/Municipal i.e. Juaboso, Bia West Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal

were mainly selected based on information gathered from GenCED’s Project Documents

that perceived the study districts/Municipal as geographically deprived zones. The

researchers’ decision to use FGD and interviews in the data collection process was based on

the fact that this study is more of a rapid assessment. Again, there were adequate existing

information on the study but because of time the data needed to be validated with the project

beneficiaries.

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CHAPTER 4

4. Findings

4.1 Introduction

The Consultants carried out field visits between 19thand 21st November 2014 in Juaboso, Bia

West Districts and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assemblies to collect information relative to

women participation in decision making at the district level. Stakeholders interviewed

included: women groups, PWDs, local NGOs, community members and district assembly

officials in the three target Districts/Municipal.

The findings for each District/Municipal Assembly is informed by

Interviewing different stakeholders in the District/Municipal Assembly including officials

of the District/Municipal Assemblies, community members, representatives of local

NGOs, women groups/associations, and PWDs

Holding FGDswith women groups/associations. FGD targeted 6 persons in a group per

District/Municipal, and

Validating the preliminary findings with 50 women in the Bia District.

4.2 Presentation of findings

The findings in this report are presented under the following headings;

Juaboso District Findings,

Bia West District Findings, and

Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Findings.

The findings under each District/Municipal Assembly are further grouped under the

following sub-headings:

Profile of the District/Municipal Assembly

Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in

local governance and community development

District level women advocacy platform for dialoguing and monitoring of


Regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s

participation, as well as, track government expenditure and service delivery

Aware and knowledgeableabout the local government Act guaranteeing citizens’

rights to participate in local governance

Sources of information concerning local government activities

Access to information and involvement in Assembly’s Development Planning and

Budget Processes

Data on women engagement success stories

The study findings are presented under the aboveheadings with the aim of providing data for

effective assessment of the project indicators in GenCED’s project document.

4.3 Study Districts Background

19

The study targeted three inland local government authorities of the Western Region of Ghana

namely; Juaboso and Bia West Districts as well as Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly.

These target Assemblies though somehow considered as deprived have large population with

farming as the main economic activity. According to the first schedule, section 38 of the Act

462, the District Assembly is composed of the Central Administration Department and

Decentralized Departments. The Central Administration Department is composed of the

District Chief Executive, the District Co-ordinating Director, the Planning Officer, the

Budget Officer, Executive Officer, etc. There is also the General Assembly, which includes

the Presiding Member, the Member of Parliament, the District Chief Executive, and the

Assembly members. The District Assembly is also constituted into sub – committees and the

Executive Committee.

4.4 Findings from Juaboso District Assembly

4.4.1 Profile of Juaboso District

The Juaboso District was carved out of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal in 1988 as an

independent administrative authority by a legislative instrument L.I 1388 Local

Government instrument 1988. It is one of the 21 districts in the Western Region is located

between latitude 60 6 ‘N and 70 0’ N, and longitude 20 40’W and 30, 15W. The district

shares borders with Bia and Asunafo North district in the North, Asunafo South and

Sefwi Wiawso district to the East, Aowin/Suaman district to the south and la Cote d’voire

to the west. The district capital Juaboso is located 360 km to the North of Sekondi, the

Regional capital and a distance of 225 km from Kumasi, the Regional capital of Ashanti

Region.

The 2010 Population and Housing Census (PHC) indicated that the district has a

population of 111,749 made up of 56,853 males and 54,896 females. Juaboso is

predominantly rural district with majority of its population living in rural communities.

According to the 2010 PHC 99,202 of its population resides in rural areas whereas 12,547

live in the urban areas.

According to 2010-2013 MTDP of Juaboso District, the main economic activity in the

district is agriculture and over 90% of the work force is engaged agricultural activities.

The major crops grown in the district are cash crops like cocoa, oil palm and coffee as

well as food crops such as plantain, cocoyam cassava, maize and rice. Fruits such as

oranges, pear, coconut, pineapple and vegetable are also cultivated.

4.4.2 Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in


The study first-hand information gathered from the FGD discussants and interviews with

stakeholders indicated that women in Juaboso district generally lack confidence and also

perceived themselves as neglected. These perceptions, according to the respondents have

resulted in apathy on the part of women when it comes to women involvement in local

governance and community development.

The study again found out that women are among the poorest of the poor; they are less

educated, they have less access to social services, and earn lower incomes. Thus, majority

20

of the respondents believed that due to financial constraints, women are unable to contest

local elections and win. Ironically, women in Juaboso generally equate local governance

to politics such that they do not want to be involved. Another interesting feature is the

selective attitude against migrant settlers by the natives of Juaboso.

4.4.3 District Level Women Advocacy Platform for Dialoguing and Monitoring of


In Juaboso, the FGD discussants, key stakeholders interviewed as well as participants of

the validation workshop confirmed that there is no women advocacy platform in the

District where women meet to dialogue and strategies to participate and monitor

Assembly’s business i.e. planning and budgeting. Respondents’ views corroborated the

findings of the desk review by admitting that there are some existing women groups or

associations in the District but their focus is largely on welfare related issues rather than

on local governance issues. The only organized women groups that are active and vibrant

are mainly politically oriented.

4.4.4 Regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s

participation as well as Track Government expenditure and Service Delivery.

When asked whether there is a regular forum to gather all stakeholders to discuss and

monitor women’s participation, as well as, track government expenditure and service

delivery, respondents disclosed that there are no such fora in Juaboso District. However,

some of the respondents said the District has a gender desk officer whose responsibility

among others is to promote or facilitate women’s participation and also monitor women

participation.

4.4.5 Aware and Knowledgeable about the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’


The responses received showed that about 5% of the people in Juaboso district are aware

of the local government Act. Whiles only a few 2% of the local people are said to be

knowledgeable of the Local Governance ACT, 1993. However, a large majority of the

citizens know the physical location of District Assembly but are less concerned about the

Assembly business.

4.4.6 Sources of information concerning local government activities

The findings of study showed that radio is the main source of information for many

people in Juaboso District. Mentioned were made of the following sources; Assembly’s

notice board, Information Service Department (ISD), National Commission for Civic

Education (NCCE), NGOs and Churches, DCE community visits, MPs Community

Visits. At the time of carrying out this study, Juaboso District had no Public Relation

Unit.

4.4.7 Access to Information and involvement in Assembly’s Development Planning and

Budget Processes

Respondents believed that a few (less than 20%) of the people had information about the

Assembly’s budget. Indeed only 4 assembly women as against their 20 male counterparts

21

in the Assembly are directly involved in Assembly’s Development Planning and Budget

processes.

Table 1: Number of Assembly Members in Juaboso District Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 17 3 20

Female 3 1 4

Total 20 4 24

Source: Juaboso District Assembly

4.4.8 Data on Women Engagement Success Stories


engagement where the local authority has granted a request or demand made by women?

They said the District has no record of women engagement success stories.

4.5 Findings from Bia West District Assembly

4.5.1 Profile of Bia West District

As indicated in the 2010-2013 MTDP, Bia West District Assembly by the provision of

Act 462 is the Planning Authority and is responsible for planning, implementation,

monitoring and evaluation of all development policies, programmes and projects in the

district. These programmes/projects include the provision of basic services (education,

health, water sanitation, housing etc), support to the vulnerable and excluded and

maintenance of peace and security in a democratic environment.

The Bia West District is one of the 21 Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts in the

Western Region. It is located between Latitude 6°6’N and 7°0’N and Longitude 2°40’W

and 3°15’W. The district shares boundaries with the Dormaa West Municipal Assembly

to the north, Asunafo North District to the east, La Cote d’Ivoire to the west, and Juaboso

District to the south. The district capital, Essam-Debiso is located 420 km to the

northwest of Sekondi-Takoradi (the Regional Capital) and 250km to Kumasi, the nearest

commercial Centre. The district has a surface area of 2,185.3 sq. km thus making it one

of the largest districts in the Western Region of Ghana.

The district is remotely located in terms of proximity to large commercial centers such as

Kumasi and Berekum. This makes prices of farm produce low but prices of manufactured

goods remain high in the district. The location coupled with bad road networks, makes it

not attractive in doing business in the district. As a result, the district experience low

household incomes especially among subsistence farmers who dominate the district’s

population.

Free flow of information from the regional and national level is hampered by the long

distances between the district capital and its regional and national capitals contributing to

the District lagging behind in its development efforts. Apparently, this situation results in

high administrative cost for the District Assembly and other organizations, agencies

22

operating in the district. Prospective investors who want to invest in the district are

somehow reluctant due to the above-mentioned bottlenecks.

Nearness of the district to La Cote d’Ivoire has implications for the prevalence of

HIV/AIDS in the district because La Cote d’Ivoire is known to have a higher rate of

HIV/AIDS than Ghana. However, the district’s closeness to La Cote d’Ivoire serves as a

potential ground for international trade between Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire. Fig.1 shows

the political map of the district.

The 2010 Population and Housing Census (PHC) indicated that the district has a

population of 116,332 made up of 60,090 males and 56,242 females. Bia is

predominantly rural district with majority of its population living in rural communities.

According to the 2010 PHC 92,979 of its population resides in rural areas whereas 23,353

live in the urban areas.



Respondents noted that the common gender phenomenon in Bia West District which by

itself undermines women participation is that front seats/rows at any gathering are often

reserved for men. They were quick to add that women generally irrespective of the ages

and educational background often feel shy to seat in the front rows during public

gatherings. According to the respondents, whenever there is a meeting or event women

often stand around or gather at the back even though there are seats reserved for them.

Most of the women interviewed admitted that women do not often seat in the front rows.

The reasons assigned for such attitude included the way women dress and their make-up.

According to them, they don’t want people to watch them. They noted that if you seat in

front all eyes are on you that makes the woman uncomfortable. This according to them

cuts across all ages and educational background. For example, ‘’we the women prefer to

take the middle or back seats at community meetings and allow their husbands to occupy

the front seat because they are the men, we agree with what they say.’’ As noted by the

FGD discussants.

The study again found out that before a woman can participate in any public event or

programme or workshop she has to seek approval from her husband. This practice

according to the respondents is not based on any cultural values but over the years has

become the norm.

4.5.3 District level women advocacy platform for dialoguing and monitoring of

Assembly’s business

The responses received from Bia West District confirmed that there is no women

advocacy platforms in the three target project districts where women meet to dialogue

and strategies to participate and monitor Assembly’s business i.e. planning and

budgeting.

23


participation as well as track government expenditure and service delivery

Respondents when asked whether there is a regular forum to gather all stakeholders to

discuss and monitor women’s participation as well as track government expenditure and

service delivery, respondents disclosed that there are no such fora in Bia West District.

However, some of the respondents said the District has a gender desk officer whose

responsibility among others is to promote or facilitate women’s participation and also

monitor women participation in local governance.

It was noted that the Bia West District Assembly has a male gender officer who ensures

women participation in decision making and the District Assembly budget processes

particularly in respect of fee fixing which concerns the women most because a large

majority of them are petty traders. The Assembly meets with representatives of trade

associations and other stakeholders to discuss fee fixing resolution.

Once a year in the months of October and November, the public is invited to the

Assembly’s General Meeting (AGM) to participate in the Budget hearing. Most of the

time is the Assembly women and Traditional Authorities who attend such public hearing.

Poor patronage of such meeting by women was attributed to the day that the meetings are

scheduled. The meetings are often held on a market day when most of the women are in

the market selling.

4.5.5 Aware and Knowledgeable about the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’


The responses received showed that about 10% of the people in Bia West District are

aware of the local government Act. Whiles only a few 5% of the local people are said to

be knowledgeable about the Local Governance Act, 1993.


In Bia West District, the findings of study showed that radio is the main source of

information. Others sources mentioned included; community meetings, community

information Centers, Information Service Department’s Communication Van, and

Assembly members.

4.5.7 Access to Information and involvement in Assembly’s Development Planning and

Budget Processes

Respondents believed that (40 %) of the people get information about the Assembly’s

budget. To buttress their position, they said the Budget officer of the DA goes to the

local radio stations to educate the people concerning the Budget. They said the radio

programme is not a live presentation of the budget.

Indeed only 5 Assembly women as against 36 of their male counterparts in the Assembly

are directly involved in Assembly’s Development Planning and Budget processes. These

24

few women are mainly Assembly members and social welfare or gender desk officer who

happens to be a man.

Table 2: Number of Assembly Members in Bia West District Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 27 1 36

Female 1 4 5

Total 28 5 41

Source: Bia West District Assembly

4.5.8 Data on women engagement success stories

When asked if there is any information on success stories on women engagement where

the local authority has granted a request or demand made by women, Bia West District

Budget Officer said Bia West District 2015 Budget has budget line of 30, 000 Ghana

Cedis for women empowerment initiatives. This according to him was a result of women

engagement with the Assembly.

4.6 Findings from Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

4.6.1 Profile of Sefwi Wiawso Municipal

As indicated in the2010-2013 MTDP, the Legislative Instrument LI 1386 establishing the

Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly was made on 23rd November, 1988 under PNDC

Law 207 and replaced by Local Government Act.463, 1993. The Municipal Assembly is

the highest political, administrative and planning authority, representing the Central

Government in the District, with a mission to improve the quality of life of the people by

harnessing and utilizing all resources for sustainable development.

The Sefwi Wiawso municipal lies in the North Eastern part of the Western Region

between latitudes 6N and 6 30 N and Longitudes 2 45 W and 2 15 W. The Brong Ahafo

Region bounds it to the North and Juabeso-Bia District to the West, Aowin-Suaman to

the South, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District to the East and Wassa Amenfi to the

South-East. It covers an area of 1280 sq.km, representing 7% of land area of the Western

Region. It is roughly rectangular in shape with the District capital, Wiawso almost on the

extreme Eastern perimeter. Sefwi Wiawso, the District capital is 156 km away from

Kumasi by a first class asphalted road, and 260 km away from Secondi/Takoradi, the

Regional capital.

The 2010 Population and Housing Census (PHC) indicated that the Municipal has a

population of 139,200 made up of 69,753 males and 69,447 females. Sefwi Wiawso

Municipal is predominantly rural district with majority of its population living in rural

communities. According to the 2010 PHC 89,375 of its population resides in rural areas

whereas 49,825 live in the urban areas.

As per the 2010-2013 MTDP, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal is a predominantly rural

economy, with agriculture and its ancillary activities being the main live stay of the

people. Agriculture employs 78% of the active population. The annual levels of

25

agricultural production and profitability therefore determine household income levels.

Thus it is significant to note a remarkable improvement in household income and

expenditure during the food and cash crops harvest seasons, especially during the cocoa

buying seasons of September to February.



The study found out that in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality there is a perception that it is

better to educate the boy child than the girl child. Thus, after Primary and Junior High

School (JHS) education most girls terminate their education as compare to their male

counterparts. Other factorscontributing to girl child dropout from school include

highincidence of pregnancyand parent inability to pay their children school fees.Majority

of the people are peasant farmers and they do not have the resources to educate their

children. In recent times, Girls’ school dropout rate has reduced as a result of

sensitization and formations of girl clubs.

4.6.3 District level women advocacy platform for dialoguing and monitoring of

Assembly’s business

In Sefwi Wiawso Municipality there is no women advocacy platforms in the three target

project districts where women meet to dialogue and strategies to participate and monitor

Assembly’s business i.e. planning and budgeting in the District. Respondents views

corroborated the findings of the desk review by admitting that there are existing women

groups or associations in the District but their focus is largely on welfare related issues

rather than on local governance issues. The only organized women groups that are active

and vibrant are mainly politically oriented.


participation, as well as, track government expenditure and service delivery

When asked whether there is a regular forum to gather all stakeholders to discuss and


delivery, respondents disclosed that there is no such forum in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal.

It is the NGOs that have been organizing such forums for the people.

Honourable Henry Affum, Presiding Member of Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

noted that “women participation is stronger at the community levels so in ensuring

women’s participation officials of the Assemblies (Budget officer, District planning

officer, and social welfare officer) often go to the Areas Councils to engage the

community members including women and at such engagements there is a lot of women

involvement in the dialogues.”

4.6.5 Aware and knowledgeable about the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’


The responses received showed that about 40% of the people in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal

are aware of the local government Act. Whiles only a few 12% of the local people are

said to be knowledgeable of the Local Governance ACT, 1993.

26

.


The findings of study showed that information is primarily disseminated to the people

through radio. Other sources cited are Assembly members and ISD.

4.6.7 Access to information and involvement in Assembly’s development planning and

budget processes

Respondents believed that just a few (less than 20%) of the people get information about

the Assembly’s budget. Indeed only 5 assembly women as against their 40 male

counterparts in the Assembly are directly involved in Assembly’s Development Planning

and Budget processes.

Table3: Number of Assembly Members in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Gender Elected

Assemblymen

Appointed

Assemblymen

Total

Male 35 5 40

Female 0 5 5

Total 35 10 45

Source: Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

4.6.8 Data on women engagement success stories

When asked if there is any information on success stories on women engagement where

the local authority has granted a request or demand made by women? Respondents

interviewed said the District has no record of women engagement success stories.

However, Sefwi Wiawso Municipal 2014- 2017 MTDP has been lauded to be gender

sensitive. Partly because GenCED with support from British High Commission (BHC) in

2014 gathered data into community action plans and submitted them to the Assembly for

incorporation into the MTDP.

27

CHAPTER 5

5.0 Discussion of Findings and Conclusion

5.1 Introduction

This chapter presents summary findings of the research conducted to promote women

inclusiveness in local government activities. Conclusions were drawn from the study

conducted in the three target districts and recommendation.

5.2 Interpretation and Summary of Findings

This section further analyzed the findings from two points of interest.

First, with regards to the research questions proposed in the interview guide. Second, major

issues identified in the literature review vis a vis indicators set out in GenCED’s project

document.

5.3 Socio-cultural, economic and political context hindering women inclusiveness in local

governance and community development As noted in the literature review and responses from the study, in spite of the pivotal role

Ghanaian women play within society, women do not occupy key decision-making positions

in many of the sectors be it social, economic and political. Ironically, at the district level,

women equate local governance to politics such that they do not want to be involved in local

governance because of the insults that people rain on public office holders.

In the surveyed districts/Municipal, women are perceived to be among the poorest of the

poor; they are less educated, and earn lower incomes. For example, majority of the women

are petty traders and peasant farmers. Thus, due to the financial constraints confronting

women, they are unable to contest in local elections. The statistics available on women

representation in the Assemblies attest to the fact that only a few women are holding political

leadership positions. For example, in Juaboso District only 4 out of the 24 Assembly

members are women, in Bia District only 4 out of the 41 Assembly members are women, and

in Sefwi Wiawso Municipal only 5 out of the 45 Assembly members are women.

Respondents’ views were that there are no cultural barriers hindering women participation in

local governance and community development. Some respondents were of view that innately

women often seek approval from their husbands before attending any public event. In Bia

West District, one of the respondents noted that “there is widespread perception that a

woman’s place is the kitchen and also the perception that men have broader knowledge than

women.” These practices has over the years have somewhat become societal norms.

Another intriguing gender element which cannot be overlooked is that at the district level,

women irrespective of the ages or educational background often feel shy to seat in the front

rows during public gatherings. This is particularly true in the rural areas where women are

found standing around and/or gathered at the back even though there are seats available to

28

them. Women generally are perceived as less educated, ignorant, lacking confidence, and

backbiting themselves. These negative perceptions have impacted on women worldview such

that it has resulted in apathy on their part when it comes to participation in local governance.

Undoubtedly, marriage has become one of the barriers negatively impacting on women

decision to participate in local governance and/or contest in local elections.

As noted by Honourable Rose Adu –Darko, Retired Educationist and Assemblywoman of

Juaboso District “women are not participating in local governance at the district level

because their husbands do not give their wives the chance to participate and women do not

have time for extra activities outside normal duties at home.” ‘’we the women prefer to take

the middle or back seats at community meetings and allow their husbands to occupy the front

seat because they are the men, we agree with what they say.’’

5.4 District Level Women Advocacy Platform for Dialoguing and Monitoring of


As (Tsikata, 2009) noted women have not been successfully mobilized to make demands that

cannot be ignored. Various institutions particularly political parties have not been penalized

in any way for not including women in governance and also not implementing their

manifesto promises. Thus, elections and appoints of women to political offices continue to be

on the basis of patronage or good conscience, rather than political pressure from women

advocacy group. This is partly so because the arena of decision-making is one area where

gender disparities are most visible, persistent and have proved hard to tackle. Women’s poor

showing in public life are at once a reflection of the pervasiveness of gender inequalities.

This phenomenon of gender inequalities is rather very pervasive at the district and local

levels.

The above position by (Tsikata, 2009) somewhat collaborate the findings of GenCED field

survey conducted in 2012 which indicated that there are no common advocacy platforms for

women in the three project districts. The responses from the FGD discussants, interviewees

and participants of the validation workshop confirmed that there are no women advocacy

platforms in the three target project districts where women meet to dialogue and strategies to

participate and monitor Assembly’s business i.e. planning and budgeting. However,

respondents admitted that there are Ad-hoc platforms. These Ad-hoc women platforms are

primarily concerned with welfare related issues rather than local governance.

The only organized and recognized women groups which are active, vibrant and also

perceived as champions of women issues in the surveyed District/Municipal are either

religious or politically oriented. Consequently, they are unable to represent and also speak for

all women as the platform being proposed by GenCED/UNDEF will do.

Analysis of the 2013 LOGODEP Citizen Participation in local government survey showed

that engagement platforms to seek consensus on issues affecting the welfare of the people are

weak. Again, assessments of the 2010 -2013 Medium Term Development Plans (MTDPs) of

the surveyed Districts showed that women are largely organized into co-operative groups or

associations basically to secure credit facilities from the rural banks.

29

The findings of the study further revealed that some empowerment training workshops have

been organized for some women but these trainings did not result in mobilising the

beneficiaries to come together to form permanent women advocacy platforms to champion

women issues at the district level.

5.5 Regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s participation,

as well as, Track Government Expenditure and Service Delivery

A large majority of the respondents in the surveyed Districts / Municipal responded in the

negative when asked whether there are regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and


delivery. Thus, corroborating information in GenCED’S project documents which also

alluded to the fact that there are no regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and

monitor women’s participation.

Nonetheless, analysis of the MTDPs of the surveyed Districts / Municipal revealed that there

are some monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure women participation. For example, the

Social Welfare Department and Gender Desk Office of the Assemblies are mandated not

only to monitor women participation but also to promote women participation. As noted in

the findings women involvement is greater and stronger at the community and Area

Councils level a situation that could be explored as a best practice model in the quest to

ensure that women are indeed participating in decision making processes that affect their

wellbeing.

5.6 Aware and Knowledgeable of the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’ rights to

participate in local governance The findings of this study showed that a few (12%) of local people particularly women

across the surveyed Districts/Municipal are aware and knowledgeable about the Local

Governance Act, 1993. However, Sefwi Wiawso Municipal is the only exception where

respondents indicated that about 40% of the people in Municipality are aware of the Local

Government Act. Many of the respondents were of the view that “a lot of people know the

District Assemblies as physical infrastructure and are able to locate the Assemblies but do

not really care about the Assembly’s business.”

Arguably, the findings of this baseline study contradict that of LOGODEP 2013, Citizen

Participation in local government survey which indicated that only 29% of the local people in

the three districts reported having knowledge of the Local Governance ACT, 1993.

5.7 Sources of information concerning local government activities

Access to information and awareness of the activities of the Assemblies is generally low

among the citizenry. This can be attributed to ignorance of the available channels of

information to the citizens. The findings of this study support that of the 2013 LOGODEP

survey finding which says radio is the main source of information on local government

activities. However, other channels of information identified during this study are

30

Community Public Address System, COMPASS4, Assembly’s notice board, Information

Service Department (ISD), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), NGOs and

Churches, DCE community visits, MPs Community visits, meetings, and Assembly

members.

The findings of this study further revealed that the Public Relations Unit is the official

mouthpiece of the Assembly and performs the duty of relaying information from the

Assembly to the public and vice versa. It arranges press conferences and coverage and also

reacts to media reports. The findings also indicated that Assembly members who are

residents in the various electoral areas are also required by the law to provide information on

programmes and decisions of the Assembly to the electorates.

5.8 Access to information and involvement in Assembly’s development planning and

budget processes

The findings of this study show that less than 20% of the women had information about the

Assembly’s budget. Respondents agreed that some women do visit the Assemblies.

However, their reasons for visiting the Assemblies are to procure license or look for support

or employment opportunities or collect their impounded animals. Women who visit the

Assemblies do not look for information or go to the notice boards to read.

It is thought-provoking to know that there is no woman on the Development Planning Sub-

Committee of Bia West District. Juaboso District Assembly has 3 women out of the 13-

member committee whereas Sefwi Wiawso Municipal had only one woman out of a 7-

member Committee. This clearly shows that women participation in development planning

and Budget processes in its true sense is limited.

In Bia West District, for example, Budgets hearing are held on Thursdays which incidentally

happens to be a market day so women are unable to attend such fora. The findings of the

study further indicated that women abstain from such meetings as a result of not being

directly invited.

4COMPASS is an important communication channel in the rural areas . It is the medium use by the community to pass on vital information concerning developmental and social. Since this medium is community owned, it is accessible to all who the need its services.

31

5.9 Data on women engagement success stories


engagement where the local authority has granted a request or demand made by women?

They said the District has no record of women engagement success stories.

However, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly’s 2014- 2017 MTDP has been lauded to

be gender sensitive partly because GenCED with support from British High Commission

(BHC) in 2014 gathered data and developed community action plans. These Action plans

were submitted to the Assembly for incorporation into the MTDP.

It is also remarkable to know that the current budget of Bia West District has a budget line of

30, 000 Ghana Cedis for women empowerment initiatives.

5.10 Conclusion

GenCED believes that the findings of the survey, with all its limitations, provides the public

and policy makers with some useful information on women involvement in local governance

and community development. Some of the findings are particularly interesting in that, they

corroborate other findings of GenCED and other organisations and individuals. This calls for

serious reflection and considerate actions to address the issues raised by respondents.

Notable findings of the study included:

Nonexistence of women advocacy platforms in the three target project districts where

women meet to dialogue and strategies to participate and monitor Assembly’s business

i.e. planning and budgeting;

Absence of regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s

participation as well as track government expenditure and service delivery;

Low access to information and awareness of the activities of the Assemblies is generally

among the citizenry; and

Less than 20% of the women had information about the Assembly’s budget;

In the nutshell, the enthusiasm with which residents in the three target districts responded to

the initiative of institutionalizing permanent District women advocacy platforms was

overwhelming. It is therefore safe to conclude that there is willingness on the part of the

project beneficiaries to get the platforms established and operationalised. These Platforms

should be in a position to create the necessary opportunities for women participation in

decision making by encouraging an all-inclusive local governance system where the voices

of the voiceless are taken into consideration in the preparation and implementation of

Medium Term Development Plans (MTDPs) and annual district budgets of the Local

Government Authorities.

It is envisioned that the platforms will afford women the opportunity to channel their

demands to the District Assemblies and also enhance participation in decision-making

particularly in the Planning framework to ensure gender inclusiveness.

32

5.11 Recommendations

1. In constituting the district level platforms for women, GenCED should ensure that

membership covers all Area Councils in a particular district to ensure a balance

representation on the Platforms.

2. GenCED should also make a conscious effort to recruit platform members from existing

women groups/associations especially the Faith-Based Organizations which are noted for

championing right based agendas including women issues.

3. To motivate the women, and sustain the platform, GenCED could consider working with

the non-formal education division of the target Assemblies to provide basic literacy

training for the women. This illiteracy programme will serve as incentive and encourage

other women who also want to learn to join the Platforms.

4. GenCED through this project should educate the local people about other sources of

information available i.e. Public Relation Unit of the Assemblies, Community Public

Address System, COMPASS, feedback mechanism by Assembly members, public

forums when seeking information about the local government activities. GenCED could

also consider providing COMPASS facility in some selected communitiesas part of the

organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

5. GenCED should consider launching the platforms to raise funds, levying its members in

the form of membership dues and then use its revenues to establish credit union to

support its members.

6. As most of the women cannot read and/or write, it will be appropriate to use local drama

(in their own language) to showcase issues of local governance to enable them better

understand the critical issues around local governance and women participation.

33

References

1. Bia West District Assembly, 2010. District Medium Term Development Plan (DMTDP) for

year 2010 - 2013

2. Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992.

3. Country Gender Profile, 2008. Ghana. African Development Bank&African Development

Fund, Human Development Department.

4. Tsikata D,2009. Affirmative Action and The Prospects for Gender equality in Ghana Politics

5. GenCED, 2012. Policy Baseline Survey, SefwiWiawso.

6. GenCED, 2013. Project Document titled “Strengthening participation of women in

geographically deprived communities in local governance in Ghana/Western Region.”

7. Ghana Statistical Service, 2013.Population &Housing Census Report: Women & Men in

Ghana, Ghana Statistical Service, Accra.

8. Ghana Statistical Service, 2013.Population &Housing Census Report: Regional Analytical

Report, Western Region, Ghana Statistical Service, Accra.

9. FIDA, Ghana, Gender Center, Hunger Project and WILDAF, Ghana. Training

Guidebook, We know politics “Good Governance through Increasing Women’s Participation

in Ghana Political Processes” for Coalition of women in governance (COWIGs)

10. Institute of Local government Studies /Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Ghana, 2011. A Guide

to District Assemblies in Ghana

11. Institute of Local government Studies/USAID, LOGODEP/Ministry of Local

Government & Rural Development, MLGRD,2012. Training on Social Accountability for

Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in the Western Region. Participants Hand-

out.

12. Joint Government of Ghana and Development Partner Decentralisation Review. Final

Report, 6th February 2007. Nordic Consulting Group Denmark and Dege Consult.

13. Juaboso District Assembly, 2010. District Medium Term Development Plan (DMTDP) for

year 2010 – 2013

14. MSI/LOGODEP/USAID, 2013. Citizens Participation in Local government Survey.

15. Ofei-Aboagye E, 2006. Gender and Local governance Project Report: Critical Issues and

Strategies to Promote Women and Their Issues at the District Level, working

Document/Draft, Abantu for Development, Regionals Office for West Africa (ROWA),

Accra

16. Osei E,2012. Training on Local governance and Decentralisation for Paramount Queen

Mothers, Female Chiefs and Female Assembly Members in the Western Region. Participants

Hand-out.

17. The Women’s Manifesto for Ghana, 2004. The Coalition of Women’s Manifesto for

Ghana. Hosted by ABANTU for Development, Ghana

18. SefwiWiawso Municipal Assembly, 2010. Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) for

year 2010 - 2013

34

Annex 1: Interview Guide for FGDs and Stakeholders Interviews

Guide for Focus Group Discussions and Key Stakeholders interviews for

Baseline Study in Juaboso, Bia Districts and SefwiWiawso Municipal Assemblies

A. Socio-cultural and political context of women inclusiveness in local governance and

community development

Q1. Are there any social cultural factors that hinder women participation in local governance

and community development?

B. District Level women advocacy platform for dialoguing and monitoring of Assembly’s

business

Q2. Is there any district level women advocacy platform specifically for dialoguing and

monitoring Assembly’s business?

C. Regular fora to gather all stakeholders to discuss and monitor women’s participation

Q3. Are there any forums in your district where the people normally will gather to discuss

issues concerning women participation in decision making, as well as, track government

expenditure and service delivery?

Q4. Do you have any monitoring mechanisms in place that ensure women participation in

decision making or are there any monitoring systems in place that ensures women

participation in decision makingas well astrack government expenditure and service

delivery?

Q5. If yes, what are the monitoring mechanisms in place?

D. Aware and Knowledgeable about the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’


Q6. Are you aware of the local government Act?

Q7. In your opinion, what percentage of the people (women) are aware of the local

government Act?

Q8.Do you have knowledge of the local Government Act guaranteeing citizens’ rights to

participate in local governance?

Q9. In your opinion, what percentage of the people (women) have knowledge of the local

Government Act guaranteeing citizens’ rights to participate in local governance?

E. Sources of information concerning local government activities

Q10.What is the main source of information concerning local government activities in

35

this district?

F. Access to information and involvement in Assembly’s Development Planning and

Budget Processes?

Q10. In your view, what percentage of the people (women) have access to information

concerning Assembly’s Development Planning and Budget Processes in this district?

Q11. In your estimation, what percentage of the people (women) are involved in Assembly’s

Development Planning and Budget Processes?

G. Data on women engagement success stories

Q12. Is there any information on success story on women engagement where the local

authority has granted a request or demand made by women?

Q13. Give one example of such success stories.

Annex2: List of Stakeholders

No. Name Community/ Organisation

Contact Number

Date

1 Stephen E. Tikdi Juaboso NCCE 0243947930

2 Kinsley Bennett Nunoo Juaboso District Assembly

0242609537 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

3 Andrew Morrison Rain forest Alliance 0244723990/ 0201490091

19/11/14 & 10/12/14

4 Thomas Gyamah RWSPS 024210695 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

5 Sarah Nkrumah Juaboso 0543536059 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

6 Felicia Adoma Danyame 0548003303 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

7 Elizabeth Kenga Matia 0544736472 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

8 AlhassanZuara Juaboso 0240621216 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

9 MarimaMesire Praso, Juaboso 0544629866 19/11/14 & 10/12/14

10 Rose Adu-Darko Juaboso Assembly woman

0246724934/ 0243513210

19/11/14 &10/12/14

11 AcquayeKweku Juaboso /SWO 0244973903 10/12/14

12 Gifty Andoh Juaboso District Assembly

0244 105131 10/12/14

13 OduroAkese Juaboso community development

0242 122184 10/12/14

14 AWUDU ZELIA BOAKO 0202159614 10/12/14

15 ALHASSAN

ZUWELEA

BOAKO 0240621216 10/12/14

16 NANA ANTWAA II ASAFO 0246597496 10/12/14

36

17 GYAMAH

EMMANUEL

ANGLO 0246551684 10/12/14

18 DAMATHA ESIE ANGLO 0246371222 10/12/14

19 ELIZABETH

GYAMFUA

SWANZY 0243271338 10/12/14

20 ASANTE JULIANA JUABOSO 0249556592 10/12/14

21 MENSAH ALBERT JUABOSO 0249849483 10/12/14

22 HON.ROSE ADU

DARKO

JUABOSO 0243513210 10/12/14

23 Mr. Fiebor Bia West District, DOP 0208190393 20/11/14

24 Peter Mensah District Budget Analyst, Bia West District

0242148657 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

25 Eric Danso Community Development

0207414878 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

26 Florence Nkrumah Asupiri 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

27 Agnes Arthur Mfantiman 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

28 Naomi Assah Elluokrom 0248826758 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

29 Janet Ekua Mfantiman 0241495792 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

30 Agnes Badu Elluokrom 0546650046 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

31 Gifty Arthur Elluokrom 0203120026 20/11/14 & 10/12/14

32 Felicity Mensah Essam 0242148657 10/12/14

33 MENSAH MARTHA ASUOPIRI 10/12/14

34 ROSE MINTAH ASUONTAA 10/12/14

35 VICTORIA ARTHUR MFANTEMAN 0247196773 10/12/14

36 BADU AGNES ELLUOKROM 0546650046 10/12/14

37 RITA NYAKOH ELLUOKROM 0543241981 10/12/14

38 ATTA GRACE MFANTEMAN 0541365912 10/12/14

39 AGNES OTIWAH MFANTEMAN 052691691 10/12/14

40 VICTORIA DONKOR KUMKUM 0203545898 10/12/14

41 ARTHUR GIFTY ELLOUKROM 0203120026 10/12/14

42 LYDIA KYEI K.B.K 0541556553 10/12/14

43 Eric Atta Dadson Budget, SWMA 0243054140 21/11/14 & 10/12/14

44 Henry Affum PM, SWMA 0243255332 21/11/14 & 10/12/14

45 John Blay Community development officer

0244106770 21/11/14 & 10/12/14

46 Cynthia Boateng Ghana Education Service - GES

0244920908 21/11/14 & 10/12/14

47 KwesiSalifu Labour officer 0200929571 10/12/14

48 NANA YAA

NKRUMAH

AYISAKROM 0200303684 10/12/14

49 COMFORT KYEBIRE ADIEMBRAH 0202993319 10/12/14

50 LYDIA AMOAH DWINASE 0541479056 10/12/14

51 BARBARA

DZAKHIDZIE

DWINASE 0246568434 10/12/14

52 AHOLU FAUSTINA ABOAGYEKROM 0248541901 10/12/14

53 VIDA NYAME SWANZY 10/12/14

37

54 RITA BAIDOO SEFWI CAMP 0243683590 10/12/14

55 CICILIA POKU SWANZY 0201465076 10/12/14

56 LYDIA AMOAH DWINASE 0541479056 10/12/14

57 MARY ABAGYINA BOAKO 0554468131 10/12/14

58 BEATRICE ASARE ASAFO 0546027201 10/12/14

59 OPHILIA AFFUL ANGLO 10/12/14

60 COMFORT MENSAH NEW ADIEMBRA 0502388838 10/12/14

61 MABEL ANNA

DANSOWAA

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