The Effects of Policy Gaps on Governance in Ghana

The Effects of Policy Gaps on Governance in Ghana by Jojo Benin MSC, Malardalen University, 2007 BSC, Malardalen University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University April 2017 Abstract The need for governance institutions in Ghana to focus on policy results that impact directly on citizen’s wellbeing rather than results that are achieved immediately after implementing program of activities has become more relevant than ever before due to widening policy gaps (the difference between policy intention and policy outcome) in Ghana. Defective policy implementation by the Ghanaian Civil Service is widening policy gaps in Ghana. With the aid of the institutional analysis and development framework, this quantitative study examined the relationship between policy gaps and governance in Ghana. Empirical data were collected from 539 Civil Servants in Ghana using a web-based survey. The 539 Civil Service participants in this study were chosen from a list of all Civil Servants obtained from the Office of the Head of Civil Service in Ghana. Multiple linear regression was employed to test the extent to which 6 governance indicators affected policy gaps. Findings showed a significant negative relationship between the regulatory quality governance indicator and policy gaps. The study also found no significant relationship between policy gaps and other governance indicators, namely voice and accountability, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, governance effectiveness, and control of corruption. These results suggest that implementing public policies relating to trade and investment, taxes, tariffs, and otherThe need for governance institutions in Ghana to focus on policy results that impact directly on citizen’s wellbeing rather than results that are achieved immediately after implementing program of activities has become more relevant than ever before due to widening policy gaps (the difference between policy intention and policy outcome) in Ghana. Defective policy implementation by the Ghanaian Civil Service is widening policy gaps in Ghana. With the aid of the institutional analysis and development framework, this quantitative study examined the relationship between policy gaps and governance in Ghana. Empirical data were collected from 539 Civil Servants in Ghana using a web-based survey. The 539 Civil Service participants in this study were chosen from a list of all Civil Servants obtained from the Office of the Head of Civil Service in Ghana. Multiple linear regression was employed to test the extent to which 6 governance indicators affected policy gaps. Findings showed a significant negative relationship between the regulatory quality governance indicator and policy gaps. The study also found no significant relationship between policy gaps and other governance indicators, namely voice and accountability, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, governance effectiveness, and control of corruption. These results suggest that implementing public policies relating to trade and investment, taxes, tariffs, and other regulatory issues that seek to enhance the development of the private sector significantly reduces policy gaps. This study leads to positive social change by helping the civil service improve policies and procedures to services for the citizens it serves. The Effects of Policy Gaps on Governance in Ghana by Jojo Benin MSC, Malardalen University, 2007 BSC, Malardalen University, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University April 2017 Dedication This doctoral study is dedicated to my daughter, Adom, and my wife, Francisca. They have been my source of motivation and strength. A special dedication goes to my mother, Grace, my father, Frank, and my nephew, Papa Fori, for their prayers and sacrifices throughout my educational path. Finally, a dedication goes to my siblings, Ekua, Papa, and Gloria; you have motivated and challenged me throughout my educational and professional career. I would not have attained this height without their support. Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my dissertation committee chair, Dr. Mary D. Bruce, for her excellent commitment and guidance throughout this dissertation process. Dr. Bruce politely accepted the invitation to be my chair even though she did not know me at first. Thank you Dr. Bruce for being tolerant, accessible, and accommodating. You have inspired me throughout the dissertation process. My profound gratitude also goes to Dr. Timothy Fadgen for agreeing to serve on my committee as a member. Dr. Fadgen’s attention to detail has helped me immensely in this process. Thank you Dr. Kristie Roberts for serving as my University Research Reviewer. The contribution of a number of scholars and experts in the field was significant. I wish to thank Dr. Appiah Korankye for providing valuable feedback and improvement on the research instrument that I used for this study. Thank you Dr. Jason Lum for all the initial method assistance throughout this process. Special gratitude goes to the head of the Ghanaian Civil Service, Nana Kwesi Agyekum Dwamena, for granting me all the assistance and approvals within the Office of the Head of Civil Service. I would also like to thank all the civil service staff who participated in this survey. This dissertation would not have been possible without your participation. Finally, I would like to thank all my work colleagues at Genelec Support Services and all my friends who have encouraged me throughout this work. To everyone who made this journey a success, I am grateful. Thank you.