The illusion of democratic representation in the REDD readiness consultation process in Ghana
By: Emmanuel Marfo
Contributors: Codesria; Responsive Forest Governance Initiative
Series: RFGI working paper -- .no. 15; RFGI working paper -- no. 15.
Publisher: CODESRIA
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Dakar, Senegal
Language: eng
Number of pages: 34
ISBN-13: 9782869786295
Subjects: History; Forests and forestry; Citizen participation; Forest management; Forest conservation; Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Program)
Description: Ghana claims to have developed its REDD Readiness Plan through a highly participatory and consultative process using the notion of stakeholder representation in designing the institutional architecture for participation.The paper argues that representation is an illusory feature of the REDD participatory process in Ghana because it is used symbolically rather than substantively . The paper also shows that there seems to be a fundamental gap on democratic notions of responsiveness and accountability between scholars and authorities of programmes like REDD. Moreover, the paper demonstrates the struggle by REDD authorities to define the institutional architecture for the representatin of local people and civil society in national processes like REDD that can deliver responsiveness and accountability in practice.
Notes: Cover title.

"Responsive Forest Governance Initiative (RFGI), supporting resilient forest livelihoods through local representation."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 31-34).