Extractive Sector Policymaking and Governance in Ghana: A Study of the Role, Knowledge and Capacity Challenges of Civil Society Organizations

Authors

Emmanuel K. Sakyi, University of Ghana
Emmanuel O. Oritsejafor, North Carolina Central University

Abstract

This study describes and examines data on perceptions of role, capacity and knowledge challenges confronting civil society organizations (CSOs) in their attempt to influence extractive industry policymaking and governance in Ghana. Qualitative technique was employed in collecting data for the study. In all, twenty one CSOs were purposively selected and interviewed using issue-driven semi-structured interview technique. The findings of the study reveal that CSOs have good knowledge concerning policymaking and management issues in the extractive sector. It further indicates that Ghanaian CSOs had formed coalitions which gave them a better ‘bargaining power’ to be able to advocate for the ordinary citizen. In addition to these, it was found that the CSO community has progressed from a stage where they were marginalised by central government in policymaking to the current situation where they are regarded as major stakeholders in the policymaking process. The findings however, reveal that despite their increasing advocacy and governance roles, CSOs are faced with several difficulties which encumber their enhanced performance. The interviewees recommended that government should remove these obstacles if it is committed to improving extractive sector policymaking and governance in Ghana.

Recommended Citation

Sakyi, Emmanuel K. and Oritsejafor, Emmanuel O. (2015) "Extractive Sector Policymaking and Governance in Ghana: A Study of the Role, Knowledge and Capacity Challenges of Civil Society Organizations," Journal of Public Management & Social Policy: Vol. 21: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/jpmsp/vol21/iss1/4