Understanding policy framework for slum governance in a developing country
International Journal of Public Leadership
ISSN: 2056-4929
Article publication date: 24 May 2022
Issue publication date: 26 September 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Slum discourse has attracted significant research interest among scholars. The study examined the policy framework for slum governance in Ghana with the goal of offering recommendations to structure slum management.
Design/methodology/approach
Anchored on exploratory qualitative methodology, the study utilized a purposive sampling technique to select 18 respondents from the major ministries for in-depth interviews.
Findings
The results showed an absence of a central national policy for slum governance because slums development has received less national priority. It also revealed a lack of coordination among the sector ministries in policy formulation, which tends to create a blame game among them. Further, it was found that slum programs are driven by media-political and non-governmental actors.
Research limitations/implications
The conclusion and the outcome of this study cannot be generalized as to represent the whole ministries in Ghana in the space of slums management due to the qualitative approach. A recommendation is offered for the creation of a separate authority to take charge of the slums in Ghana.
Practical implications
This study elucidates a context-specific understanding of the policy framework for slum governance, which tends to shape public knowledge and policy landscape.
Originality/value
As a novelty, the findings of the study advanced the sparse literature in the domain and, at the same time, helped politicians and policymakers understand the need for a dedicated policy for slums.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The study was fully funded by the authors Anthony Nkrumah Agyabeng, Justice Nyigmah Bawole, Albert Ahenkan, James Kwame Mensah and Alexander Preko.
Citation
Nkrumah Agyabeng, A., Nyigmah Bawole, J., Ahenkan, A., Mensah, J.K. and Preko, A. (2022), "Understanding policy framework for slum governance in a developing country", International Journal of Public Leadership, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 355-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPL-12-2021-0060
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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