Decentralization and basic services provision: water and sanitation in Ghana

How does decentralization reform affect the provision of basic services, particularly water and sanitation in Ghana? We deal in particular the delivery of water and sanitation, given the importance of water and sanitation. Conclusions are drawn concerning the policy implications for the design and implementation of decentralization reform. The first is the need to ensure that laws establishing service delivery agencies and possible partnership arrangements are consistent with the specific laws that set out the nature decentralization reform. The second policy implication of our study is the need for a conscious implementation plan in support of decentralization laws and policies. The policy implication regards the question of appropriate roles by local government. We have observed that pluralism performs better that distributed monopoly by public utilities. Decentralization reforms should deepen local accountability in the provision of basic services. Finally, assigning leadership, brokerage and oversight roles to local government in the design of decentralization reforms is critical for expanding basic services.