article · Development in Practice
An investigation of local government service delivery in Ghana reveals multiple operational and structural obstacles that impede performance. Based on qualitative interviews with twenty-seven key local government stakeholders, service provision is obstructed by administrative delays, inadequate funding for operational bodies, political interests, socio-cultural barriers, and institutional weaknesses. Viewed through a public choice framework, these governance constraints threaten participatory and democratic practices at the local level. Addressing these challenges requires the prompt and sufficient disbursement of local revenues, the enhancement of administrative capacity within local authorities, and the formal clarification of respective roles between traditional leaders and elected assembly members within the decentralised governance system.
Effective municipal governance is vital for delivering essential public services and sustaining community trust in democratic systems. When institutional bottlenecks and resource deficits disrupt local services, civic engagement declines. Identifying these structural constraints assists policymakers and development partners in targeting capacity-building initiatives, clarifying local administrative responsibilities, and improving decentralised public finance mechanisms.
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The study examines the challenges affecting service delivery in local government in Ghana. Using a qualitative research design that included interviews with 27 key local government stakeholders, the study found that local government service delivery is hindered by delays, insufficient funds for operational authorities, political interests, socio-cultural challenges, and institutional difficulties. From a public choice perspective, this could affect democratic and participatory governance at the local level. The remedies should include timely and adequate allocation of local funds, strengthening of the administrative capacity of local government authorities, and clearly stating the roles of traditional authorities and assembly members within the local government system.
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DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2026.2720175
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