Home > Economics, Development Studies > Vol 1 No 1 June 2013 Abstract 4
Community Development in Ghana: Theory and Practice
Samuel Ziem. Bonye; Thaddeus Arkum, Aasoglenang
Journal of Economics and Development Studies, 1(1), pp. 43-59.

Abstract
The theoretical dimensions of Community Development (CD) have been translated into practice all over the world to promote tangible development in deprived communities since the 1950s. In Ghana the practice of CD has received both state and non-state support. Whiles institutions and organizations are contributing to community development over the years, community members themselves are equally contributing with or without any state support for the development of their communities. The collective effort in this endeavour implies that the practice of CD is key for the growth and development of deprived societies. This desk top case study therefore reviewed literature on the subject, and the application of it in Ghana. The study revealed that several approaches were available for both public and private organizations in the practice of CD with Decentralization as the major driving force in Ghana. Beside, the paper established that, the role of the government and NGOs should be to inspire local initiatives that improve community wellbeing. The paper also argues that, top-down planning and implementation of development projects have to give way to bottom-up or active community participation to achieve ‘development through negotiation.

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Bonye, Ziem. Samuel., & Thaddeus Arkum, Aasoglenang. (2013). Community Development in Ghana: Theory and Practice. Journal of Economics and Development Studies, 1(1), pp. 43-59.

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ONYEMAECHI JOSEPH ONWE
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way, PMB 80067
Victoria Island Lagos
NIGERIA
BIOGRAPHY
Onyemaechi Joseph Onwe is currently an Associate Professor of Economics at the National Open University of Nigeria. He obtained his Ph. D degree in Economics, 1986 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, M.S. (Environmental Arts ans Sciences), 1980 from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and B. Sc (Business Management), 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He was the developer and pioneer director Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Business School, Enugu, 1995 to 1999. He was also the developer and pioneer director ESUT Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, ESUT, 1999 to 2003; Acting Dean, School of Business and Human Resources Management (now School of Management School of Management Sciences), 2004 to 2008. His memberships in learned societies are as follows:
1. Life Member, Nigerian Economic Society (NES)
2. Member, West African Research and Innovation Management Association
3. Member, National ILO/NECA Network on Small And Medium Enterprise Development
4. Member, Research and Development Network, International Research and Development Institute
5. Member, National Association of Small And Medium Enterprises (NASME)
6. Associate Member, Nigerian Society of Agricultural Engineers (NSAE)
7. Member, Association of Nigerian Teachers
He is currently an external examiner with the University of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana, with over 50 journal publications, 8 course materials in economics and business related academic programmes, and 3 textbooks in quantitative methods.