Mid-term performance evaluation of the Ghana local governance decentralization program (LOGODEP)

The project began in 2010 and is due to end by August 2013. LOGODEP's stated assistance objective is to strengthen local democratic and decentralized governance through civic involvement. The evaluation found: (1) a well-qualified LOGODEP project team is in place and is implementing well-drawn implementation plans in close coordination with Ghanaian counterparts. LOGODEP's institutional arrangements and commitments are contributing positively to achievement of the project's objectives; (2) the competitive grants program review process is leading to high-quality submissions, but the short time frame of the grants is inconsistent with durable gains in governance or service delivery; (3) work with traditional authorities has proven to be an important activity in community outreach and is especially noteworthy because it was not planned into original project activities or results; (4) spatial planning is now recognized as a critical tool for future development planning exercises. (Excerpt, modified)