Paper short abstract:

The study examines the role of HRD in enhancing public sector reform and decentralization in Ghana. Participants admit that HRD plays a central role in achieving public sector reform and decentralization in Ghana, by ensuring sustained engagement of key players through capacity building.

Paper long abstract:

Ghana's on-going public sector reform is contingent on the institutional, technical and human resource development (HRD) capacity arrangements governing its implementation. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to examine the role of HRD in enhancing public sector reform (PSR) and decentralization in Ghana. Using survey questionnaire administered to 105 purposively selected senior and middle level personnel working under the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies/Authorities (MMDAs) in the Central Region of Ghana. The study finds a general perception that HRD plays a central role in achieving public sector reform and decentralization in Ghana, by ensuring sustained engagement of key players through capacity building. However, among the challenges identified include inadequate capacity of the HRD at the regional level to provide adequate support for local government organisations, as well as inadequate funding in the realisation of HRD strategies. Study participants were interested in modernizing the process and methods of delivering the tailor-made training for key officials involved in implementation of the HRD activities and developing team management culture. The study therefore recommends that stakeholders in the public sector reform and decentralization process should take pro-active role in identifying the capacity needs of key officials for effective formulation and implementation of the reform and decentralization in Ghana.