By Juliet ETEFE ( Juliet.etefe@thebftonline.com )
According to a recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), a substantial majority of Ghanaians perceive themselves as being left out of governance activities, with more than 70 percent of those surveyed indicating that they hold minimal to no sway over major national decisions.
The research uncovers notable difficulties in the areas of inclusive and responsive governance.
The statement read: "More than 70 percent of participants indicated that the political system provides minimal or no avenues for average individuals to shape decisions, indicating restricted pathways for citizen engagement and an overall sense that policymakers are not responsive."
These discoveries are included in the Governance Series Wave 1 Report, which is a survey designed to monitor citizens' experiences with governance in Ghana.
The information for this study comes from a nationwide representative survey carried out by the GSS through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), which took place between January 2nd and January 20th, 2025, covering the reference period of January to December 2024.
The survey included responses from 7,248 participants selected from a nationwide representative group of 15,400 households as per the 2021 Population and Housing Census. This data serves as a foundation for tracking advancements toward achieving SDG 16.7.2, emphasizing inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making processes.
The report states that merely 12 percent of participants indicated that the political system offers "a lot" or "a great deal" of opportunity for average people to influence decisions impacting their lives. Conversely, over seventy percent of Ghanaians reported feeling disconnected and marginalized, suggesting they perceive minimal avenues within the current framework for making their concerns heard.
Most excluded
The report reveals that young individuals between 18 and 24 years old experienced the most significant levels of exclusion, as approximately 55% stated they have absolutely no say in governmental decisions. Likewise, senior citizens aged 65 and over also felt marginalized, with around 48.6% indicating they had little to no impact.
Female individuals, inhabitants of rural areas, and those who struggle with daily activities were also noted as groups experiencing greater instances of exclusion. As an example, 47.4% of disabled persons mentioned feeling entirely marginalized, this figure increased to 66.9% for those having trouble with self-care tasks, and approximately half of those facing challenges with speaking expressed similar sentiments.
Regarding location, rural Ghanaians (45.8%) were more inclined to report 'no say in governance' compared to their urban counterparts (40.5%).
Regional disparities
The research further underscores significant disparities across regions, indicating that the Volta Region (62.2%), the Upper East Region (61.8%), and the Northeast Region (58%) experienced the most instances of exclusion, as participants reported having no say in decision-making processes. In contrast, the Eastern Region (20.3%), the Oti Region (19.6%), and the Upper West Region (18.3%) showed the largest percentages of individuals who felt they had "a substantial" or "significant" impact.
These differences indicate that access to opportunities for public involvement varies significantly throughout the nation, prompting concerns regarding the scope and impact of local governance as well as efforts aimed at fostering civic engagement.
Inclusive governance
At the unveiling of the report in Accra, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu highlighted the critical necessity for establishing a governance framework that truly encourages participation from all stakeholders.
As we contemplate these observations, let us remember that governance reform is not merely an abstract concept; it requires a continuous dedication to making sure that the structures and organizations we create address the requirements and ambitions of all Ghanaians," Dr. Iddrisu stated. "It’s about guaranteeing that each individual from Ghana, irrespective of their position or situation, experiences being recognized, listened to, and supported.
He mentioned that the Governance Series would take place twice a year to track shifts in citizens' experiences and guide policy decisions.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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