Public Administration in Ghana

Administration Focus

• Main focus is the organization and management of resources and activities within an entity.
• Administration begins when coordination of actions and resources occurs for achieving objectives.

Requirements for Administration

• Presence of a structured framework and defined roles is necessary for effective administration.
• Administrators primarily focus on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling processes.

Classification of Administration

• Administration can be classified based on ownership into public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Sub-metropolitan District Councils

• Main principle is to decentralize power and enhance local governance.
• Urban Councils typically comprise between 15 to 25 members, facilitating localized decision-making.

Governance in Ghana

• Sub-district structures ideally form the local governance level under District Assemblies in Ghana.
• 'Cosmopolitan' indicates diverse, urbanized settlements that are culturally varied and economically developed.

Creation of Urban Councils

• Established for settlements with populations exceeding 15,000 to ensure effective administration and service delivery.

Distinction from Metropolitan Assemblies

• Sub-metropolitan District Councils focus on smaller jurisdictions, while Metropolitan Assemblies oversee larger urban areas.

Course Delivery Method

• Emphasis on interactive learning and practical application to enhance understanding among students.

Course Evaluation

• Assessment method with the highest weight is typically the final examination or project component.

Public Administration Knowledge

• Applicability extends across various sectors such as government, NGOs, and private organizations.

Course Discussion Approach

• Engaging discussions about convictions exclude the imposition of personal beliefs on others.

Evaluation Criteria

• Attendance and participation contribute a specific percentage to the overall course evaluation, typically around 10-15%.

Utilization of Skills

• Skills from Public Administration studies can be utilized in governance, community organization, and policy-making.

Role of Unit Committees

• Primary role is to facilitate community engagement and representation at the grassroots level.

Functions of Urban Councils

• Urban/Town/Zonal/Area Councils do not typically carry out judicial functions; instead, they focus on local administrative roles.

Local Government Act 462

• Establishes a minimum number of departments that must be formed within local governance structures to ensure efficiency.

Responsibilities of Unit Committees

• Specific responsibility includes mobilizing community participation and implementing local development projects.

Common Functions of Urban Councils

• Common tasks involve planning, resource allocation, and overseeing local services and utilities.

Task Functions of Councils

• Listed tasks include managing local infrastructure and addressing community needs through public services.

Decentralized Departments

• Primary function is to deliver essential services and implement policies at the local level.

Citizen Election Qualifications

• Ordinary citizens need to meet residency, age, and moral integrity qualifications to be elected in Ghana.

Elections of District Assemblies

• Conducted through secret ballot to ensure fairness and transparency.

Complaints Procedure

• If complaints arise regarding a District Assembly member's conduct, an investigation may be initiated by relevant authorities.

Intermediate Tier Councils and Unit Committees

• Unique in their role as a link between local communities and higher governmental structures, empowering grassroots participation.

District Referendum Organization

• The Electoral Commission of Ghana organizes a referendum to address issues related to District Assembly members.

Explore various topics related to public administration in Ghana, including the politics and administration dichotomy debate, bureaucracy, decentralization, public policy-making, accountability, and ethics of public service. Understand the course delivery methods involving lectures and discussions on topical issues.