Participatory communication and local development- a study of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly

Abstract

The study investigated the communication channels used in the governance structure of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly in its engagement with the local and community members. A qualitative approach based on the case study design was used for the investigation. Data was collected and analysed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; and analysis of data was conducted using the participatory communication and stakeholder theories as the theoretical framework. The in-depth interview was conducted with four Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly officials and with two Assembly members. The focus group interview on the other hand, was conducted among five groups with eight members in each group and these were people who have lived in the setting long enough and understood the phenomenon understudied. The study therefore adopted the purposive sampling techniques where the research participants were intentionally selected and they provided relevant information that met the purpose for the study. The study contends that though participatory communication is one of the channels highly recommended for use by the District Assembly actors, the process of the Assembly’s engagement with local communities lacks adequate communal participation that can effectively lead to empowerment of the local people in the governance process. This hindrance eventually leads to an undermining of local and community participation in local governance- the key to a functional decentralized government system.