http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/767 2026-05-26T12:58:34Z 2026-05-26T12:58:34Z Brobbey, R. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/5213 2026-05-11T11:37:29Z 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of partisanship on democracy and democratic norms in Ghana Brobbey, R. This thesis set out to assess partisanship effects on democracy and democratic norms in Ghana. Grounded in agonistic theory of democracy, examines how partisanship influences core democratic norms in Ghana—namely, political participation, civic accountability, electoral behaviour, and institutional trust. Using a survey design approach, the study operationalizes “appreciation of partisanship” through attitudinal measures and behavioural indicators. Data were analysed with cross-tabulations and chi-square tests to assess associations between partisan identity and each democratic norm. Key findings reveal that most Ghanaians—partisans and independents alike—define politics primarily as government decision-making, yet strongly favour including independent voices in policy debates. While electoral turnout is driven by civic duty rather than party loyalty, partisans exhibit higher vote loyalty even as one-third report conditional swing-voting. Over 75 percent accept election outcomes unconditionally, and the majority view petitions as legitimate tests of justice. Both groups engage robustly in civic activities—contacting officials and critiquing policy—but attend demonstrations infrequently. Partisans criticize government more often, though active citizenship does not require party attachment. Trust in the courts (over election petitions) and the Electoral Commission remains high, especially among independents. Crucially, large majorities agree that partisan conflict fuels violence at the polling station, in communities, and within households, while deterring broader participation and fostering out-group disregard. The thesis concludes that partisanship in Ghana is a double-edged sword. It energizes political engagement and accountability yet reinforces polarization, undermines inclusion, and escalates conflict. Recommendations include institutionalized bipartisan forums, targeted civic-education for swing-voter stability, transparent adjudication of electoral disputes, real-time accountability tools, and cross-party liaison structures to foster mutual respect and sustain democratic resilience. A Thesis in the Department of Political Science Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, submitted to the school of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Political Science) in the University of Education, Winneba JULY, 2025

2025-07-01T00:00:00Z Sebore, L.K http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/5175 2026-03-30T12:20:47Z 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z

Traditional religion and the fight against illegal mining in Ghana -A case study of Amenfi East Municipality Sebore, L.K The study explored the role of traditional religion in curbing illegal mining in the Amenfi East Municipality of Ghana. Illegal mining poses significant environmental, social, and economic threats across many parts of Ghana. While various governmental policies have attempted to regulate and eliminate the practice, enforcement remains inconsistent and often ineffective. The study adopted a qualitative approach to examine how traditional religious norms, beliefs, and leadership structures influence community responses to illegal mining. Using semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, including chiefs, elders, traditional priests, and assembly members, the study investigated the types of traditional norms observed in the municipality, the ways these norms deter illegal mining, and the potential for collaboration between traditional authorities and the Municipal Assembly. Aside demographic data which were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages, Data relative to the research questions were thematically analyzed, and findings were categorized under four themes for each research question. The study revealed that traditional norms such as sacred forests, river taboos, prohibition days, and ancestral beliefs are still widely respected and serve as informal yet powerful tools for regulating land use and deterring environmentally destructive practices. Fear of spiritual sanctions, including illness and misfortune, continues to discourage mining in spiritually significant areas. Traditional justice systems, which emphasize restitution and public accountability, further reinforce compliance. However, the study also finds a disconnect between traditional and formal governance structures, with traditional leaders often excluded from official environmental policymaking and lacking the resources needed to enforce cultural regulations. The study concluded that traditional religion offers a culturally embedded and community-trusted framework for environmental governance. To enhance its impact, the study recommends formal recognition of traditional norms in local bylaws, capacity building for traditional leaders, logistical support for ritual and monitoring activities, and stronger collaboration with municipal authorities. These steps can help create a more integrated and effective approach to addressing illegal mining in Ghana. A Dissertation in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Education (Political Science) in the University of Education, Winneba SEPTEMBER, 2025

2025-09-01T00:00:00Z Katadatu, S. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/5003 2026-03-02T16:44:04Z 2024-06-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of the effectiveness of revenue mobilisation of Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality Katadatu, S. The study is on assessing the effectiveness of revenue mobilisation of Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality. The study used descriptive research design and adopted the mixed method strategy. Data was gathered using quantitative data from 285 respondents through a questionnaire and six (6) for the qualitative data using an interview guide. The analysis of the quantitative data was done using SPSS statistical software whiles thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Based on the results, the current revenue mobilisation strategies employed by the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly are inadequate in meeting the financial needs of the municipality. The study found a dissatisfaction with the transparency of these strategies, indicating a lack of clarity regarding how collected funds are utilised within the municipality. Similarly, the municipality faces several challenges in revenue mobilisation. The study highlighted insufficient public awareness and understanding of tax obligations, indicating a need for more education and outreach programmes. The lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with revenue regulations is also a significant challenge, suggesting the need for stronger enforcement measures. The complexity and burdensome nature of tax regulations and procedures make compliance challenging for residents and businesses. Furthermore, the study suggested implementing or adjusting tax policies and rates as a means to enhance revenue, highlighting the importance of fairness and equity in any tax changes. Additionally, improving tax compliance and enforcement mechanisms was seen as a critical step, with strong support indicating its potential effectiveness in boosting revenue by ensuring all taxpayers contribute fairly. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the assembly should ensure transparent utilisation of funds. Additionally, the assembly should focus on implementing innovative and adaptable revenue mobilisation strategies that can respond to changing circumstances and effectively address the financial needs of the municipality. This includes prioritising fairness and equity in distributing the burden of taxation among different stakeholders and enhancing accountability and oversight mechanisms in the implementation of revenue mobilisation strategies. It is also recommended that future studies can explore the impact of new or adjusted tax policies and rates on revenue generation in Ghana. thesis in the Department of Political Science Education, Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Political Science Education) in the University of Education, Winneba JUNE 2024

2024-06-01T00:00:00Z Marfo, E. http://41.74.91.244:8080/handle/123456789/4972 2026-02-23T11:14:53Z 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z

Understanding a shift in voters preference in political party strongholds. A study of Hohoe constituency during the 2020 parliamentary election. Marfo, E. Undoubtedly, the Hohoe constituency has traditionally been a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana, consistently securing victories in parliamentary elections since the inception of the fourth republic. However, a notable shift occurred in the 2020 parliamentary elections when the NDC lost the seat to the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the first time. This unexpected outcome not only surprised the NDC party but also caught the attention of astute political observers. This research aims to delve into the factors that contributed to the change in voter behavior among the constituents of Hohoe during the 2020 parliamentary elections. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study gathered data from 385 respondents and conducted interviews with 10 individuals. Upon analyzing the survey results, the findings suggest that the shift in voter behavior can be attributed to the developmental projects initiated by the NPP parliamentary candidate, who also serves as the Minister of Energy and the creation of SALL. His track record and personality, dating back to his tenure as the District Chief Executive in 2008 and as a minister in 2016, stood in stark contrast to the perceived complacency and inability of the NDC candidate to deliver development to the constituency. This perception, coupled with the belief that the NPP candidate was more development-oriented, contributed to the decision to unseat the NDC MP. A thesis in the Department of Political Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Political Science) in the University of Education, Winneba

2023-11-01T00:00:00Z