Dimensions of Regional Inequalities in Ghana: Assessing Disparities in the Distribution of Basic Infrastructure Among Northern and Southern Districts

Mark M. Akrofi, Benard A. A. Akanbang, Clement K. Abdallah

Abstract


Researches on regional inequalities in Ghana have largely focused on principal cities and towns as well as urban and rural areas. Based on the traditional north-south divide in Ghana, this study explored a third dimension of regional disparities, by assessing the level of infrastructural inequalities among districts in northern and southern Ghana. The study is based on a documentary review of existing statistics on the availability of basic infrastructure in the selected districts. Twelve districts (2 each from 3 regions in the north and south respectively) were involved. The Composite Infrastructure Index (CII) method, Lorenz Curve and Gini Coefficient techniques were employed. Results showed that, the distribution of basic infrastructure among all twelve districts was skewed towards perfect equality (Gini coefficient= 0.20). Inequalities were however more significant among districts of the north (Gini coefficient= 0.22) than districts of the south (Gini coefficient= 0.12). Albeit positive, no significant correlation was found between CIIs and population (P< .001) as well as Internally Generated Funds (P< .001) of the districts. The study also revealed that, on the average, districts allocated 97.1% of their Internally Generated Funds to administrative costs rather than infrastructure projects.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijrd.v5i1.12293

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