MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT IN PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF BASIC SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN WEST MAMPRUSI DISTRICT - GHANA

Abstract

The advancement of society has always come with its related complex problems calling for solutions that will be more embracing and sustaining. Thus many believe such problems can be tackled through the convergent capacities of individuals, groups and/or organizations, for no matter how knowledgeable and skilled individuals are, if such potentials cannot be coordinated for the common good, progress is improbable. It is in the light of this that, governments and related development partners see the multi-stakeholder engagement concept as a 'panacea' to the challenges that threaten societal progress. As a strategy to enhancing its basic school infrastructural provision and management, one needs to ask what role the multi-stakeholder engagement approach has played in the West Mamprusi District. This study therefore, aimed at assessing the role of multi-stakeholder engagements in the provision and management of basic school infrastructure. It adopted the mixed approach with specific reference to descriptive and explanatory surveys. The outcome is that, multi-stakeholder engagements provide resources and managerial skills for enhancing the provision and management of basic school infrastructure in the West Mamprusi District. It further identified inadequate resources, poor communication, poor cooperation as well as limited commitment among stakeholders as the main challenges that confront such engagement processes. The study concluded that, among others things, there is the need for proper resourcing multi-stakeholder platforms, strengthening cooperation and commitment among stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, and promoting facilitation in organizing such engagements in the District. It also identified basic school infrastructure challenge as an area that requires further research.