Precursors of regional development disparities in colonial dependencies: perspectives from Northern Ghana

Abstract

Discourses on underdevelopment in colonial dependencies have focused on pre-independence antecedents, yet recent research on Ghana is lacking. This study uses imperialist development theory to explore how these antecedents shape contemporary underdevelopment in Northern Ghana amidst the SDGs. Data was gathered ethnographically through in-depth interviews and FDGs with 14 participants, selected via purposive and convenience sampling. Analysis using NVivo version 12 revealed a significant relationship between the TAST and colonialism in the North’s development quagmire. We recommend: (a) compensatory policies aimed at healing historical wounds inflicted by slavery, (b) a thoughtful integration of global development approaches with home-grown initiatives tailored to the North’s specific needs, (c) upgrading the development infrastructure, road networks, education, and vocational training to attract and boost requisite economic activities, and (d) Northern-led advocacy to ensure continuous commitment and cooperation among development stakeholders to adapt to evolving needs of the people. Our study is relevant to academic discourses on the search for sustainable development in colonial dependencies struggling with regional development dilemmas.