EXAMINING WOMEN‟S PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE WA MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Local governance is seen as an active involvement of the local population in ensuring improved quality of service and leadership at the local level, involves greater participation by civil society in decision-making processes. This study examined women‟s participation and the prevailing gender issues in local governance in Ghana particularly in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. Analysis in this study is derived from an empirical study of women participation in local governance. Qualitative methods such as focus key informant interviews, personal observation and focus group discussions were used to generate data for the study. The findings of study discovered that the level of participation and representation of women considering the total number of members is woefully inadequate and series of efforts need to be done to make the level of participation appreciable. Also, in the absence of women empowerment programs and gender policy at the local level were hardly implemented. The study therefore recommends that policy makers both at the national level and local level should widen the decentralization process to increase the power and involvement of community members particularly women in the process.