Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Christopher C. B. Jonesa

Abstract

Increasing street children influx in Accra, Ghana, is a challenge to the government, policymakers, and citizens despite the Child and Family Welfare Policy (CFWP) of the Ghana Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to address this social problem. In 2018, an estimated 90,000 children lived on the streets in the Greater Accra Region. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on social intervention policies and programs and the effectiveness of the CWFP in curbing street children influx. Policy feedback theory was the theoretical foundation for the research. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with nine stakeholders purposively drawn from the ministry, nongovernmental organizations, and other agencies associated with street children. Results of coding and hermeneutic analysis revealed the following themes: (a) The CFWP is seen positively but lacks adequate financial resources in its implementation; (b) stakeholders’ consultation and collaboration are seen as ineffective, which affects the implementation and review of the policy; (c) monitoring and evaluation of the policy objectives are seen as ineffective due to institutional bureaucracy and bottlenecks; (d) street children influx is not adequately addressed; and, (e) there is no single budget allocation for the policy. Findings may draw the attention of government leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to the need for more funding for the CFWP. Findings may also lead to positive social change through academicians, policy think tanks, and civil society organizations regarding the effects of policy implementation on street children influx.

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