Advocating recognition and redistribution in poverty alleviation programs in Ghana : an examination of state and NGO programs and policies

Abstract This thesis argues that poverty alleviation strategies and programs carried out by the government and Non Governmental Organizations in Ghana provide affirmative solutions to poverty. This is because, these intervention strategies have been influenced by conventional discourses on poverty that fail to adequately address non-economic issues of poverty such as powerlessness, marginalization and tmder-representation. The study is carried out in a two-pronged manner; first, it analyses state policies and strategies, particularly the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS), on poverty alleviation and compares these to NGO programs, implemented with funds and support from external donor organizations. Specifically, I focus on how NGOs and the governnlent of Ghana negotiate autonomy and financial dependency with their funding donor-partners and how these affect their policies and programs. Findings from this study reveal that while external influences dominate poverty alleviation policies and strategies, NGOs and the government of Ghana exercise varying degrees of agency in navigating these issues. In particular, NGOs have been able to adapt their programs to the changing needs of donor markets, and are also actively engaged in re-orienting poverty back to the political domain through advocacy campaigns. Overall, rural communities in Ghana depend on charitable NGOs for the provision of essential social services, while the Ghanaian government depends on international donor assistance for its development projects.

Bleachers in old Chapman Stadium, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Bleachers in old Chapman Stadium, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Old Chapman Stadium, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Old Chapman Stadium bleachers, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Old Chapman Stadium, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Old Chapman Stadium bleachers and field, Chapman University, Orange, California

Chapman Stadium shortly before demolition, Chapman University, Orange, California, 2005. This stadium was originally constructed in 1934 by Orange Union High School, Orange, California. Ownership transferred to Chapman College in 1954. It was re-named in 2

Newly repainted signage, Student Union [old], Chapman College, Orange, California

Newly repainted signage on the Old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California; part of a campus renewal project in 1973. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Lounge area of the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Lounge area of the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Lounge area of the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Lounge area of the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Outside the old student union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Old Student Union patio, Chapman College, Orange, California

Old Student Union patio, Chapman College, Orange, California. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Snack bar inside the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Snack bar inside the old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California in the 1970s. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Patio area of old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Patio area of old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California. Originally the manual arts building and bus repair garage for Orange Union High School. Building annex additions through 1975 increased the size to 19,680 sq. ft. Used as a student union by Chapman College. In 1996 the building became the Cecil B. DeMille Hall, housing the Film and TV department.

Presidents Dining Room, Old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California

Presidents Dining Room, old Student Union, Chapman College, Orange, California. Furniture is from the Rankin estate; moved from the Grace Rankin Lounge in Memorial Hall.