The role of NGOs in development initiatives: an analysis of effective participation and representation in Ghana

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the factors that affect grassroots participation in development initiatives and the ability of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to act as effective grassroots representatives. This research finds that NGOs with ‘social movement’ roots demonstrate superior abilities to act as effective grassroots representatives and promote more effective participation in development initiatives. These NGOs display higher capacities and willingness to access and gain input from grassroots actors compared to international or elite initiated NGOs. The latter are more likely to view themselves as ‘experts’ and have greater physical and social distance to grassroots actors. These results are illustrated through field observations and interviews with NGO staffs, donors, and community members in Ghana, as well as NGO literature and reports, and an extensive review of the relevant academic literature. This research seeks to address a gap within development literature that fails to consider NGOs’ roles as grassroots representatives in development.