Assessing Stakeholder Participation In Policy Formulation And Implementation: The Case Study Of The Free Senior High School Policy In Ghana

ABSTRACT The study sought to examine stakeholder participation in the formulation and implementation of FSHS policy by assessing the stakeholder dynamics and implications on formulation and implementation of the policy. The study observed that various stakeholders engaged in the formulation and implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy in Ghana entails relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, FSHS implementation Committee, CHASS, Religious groups, significant NGOs and CSO, Heads of various SHS and management of the various SHS among other key parties. The study reveals that roles played by key stakeholders throughout the formulation and implementation of the FSHS policy was to translate relevant concerns of stakeholders into the policy process, create shared motivation for smooth policy process and to assist in discovering critical factors required in the policy formulation and implementation process. The study posits that stakeholder engagement holds numerous implications on the FSHS policy process. The study shows that stakeholder participation allows for a comprehensive approach towards considering key policy gaps and strengths which ensures sustainable policy implementation. The study contends that stakeholder participation enhances commitment, fair representation, ownership and the sustainability of the FSHS policy. The study asserts that the formulation and implementation of the FSHS policy was not immune to major operational obstacles. The study acknowledges the existence of insufficient stakeholder engagement in the policy formulation process, limited nature of commitment by some hidden stakeholders, Unproductive criticism driven by competitive motives/witch hunting/sabotage, Poor capacity in terms of resources, knowledge and skills by key stakeholders to contribute adequately towards the formulation and implementation of the FSHS policy as the main setback preventing effective stakeholder engagement. The study recommends that continuous training for key stakeholders on the core mandate of the FSHS policy, development of strategic ways of motivating key stakeholders and proactive ways of engaging of key stakeholders are highly uncompromising. The study concludes that instead of the leading stakeholders managing other key stakeholder in the policy process, it will be very worthwhile and more strategic for all key stakeholders to be fully engaged throughout the policy.