Executive Summary
Since 2017, Ghana has made significant strides in leveraging its oil and gas revenues (ABFA) to fund development projects, through the Coastal, Middle Belt, and Northern Development Authorities. Yet, development challenges at the sub-national level still persist. With funding from the Extractive Industry and Climate Change Governance Fund, the Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA) undertook a comprehensive study to assess the effectiveness of the Development Authorities in utilizing ABFA to accelerate socio-economic growth, alleviate poverty and bridge the widening inequality gap.
The methodology of the study encompassed participatory monitoring and evaluation techniques, field verifications, and stakeholder interviews. This multidimensional approach was intended to obtain a thorough and nuanced knowledge of the projects’ direct impact on socio-economic growth, and poverty reduction in beneficiary communities. The scope of the study included a detailed examination of infrastructure projects in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and road construction across the Development Authorities.
Key findings:
1. ABFA Utilization by Development Authorities have impacted communities
positively: ABFA-funded projects have positively impacted individuals and
communities, contributing significantly or moderately to socio-economic growth and
better living standards, especially for women, youth, children, PWDs, and marginalized
groups. The evidence shows that these projects are achieving their goals and underscores
the positive role of ABFA funding in community progress.
