A retrospective analysis of a water sector reform in Ghana: The interplay of unbalanced power and benefits

Abstract

This paper argued theoretically that power relations matter in public sector reforms. This is empirically demonstrated with a case of a management contract from Ghana. The study finds strong evidence that the power of different groups to obstruct rules that are against their interest clearly affects enforceability. This conclusion is drawn from the analyses of the contract document, the technical evaluation report on the contract, related empirical studies and face to face interviews. The study has significant implication for both theory and practice as it propels reformers to rethink the role of power relations among institutions in public sector reforms.