Examining the Implementation of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services Programme In the Ga East and West Municipalities.

Examining the Implementation of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services Programme In the Ga East and West Municipalities.

Matthew Kwame Edusei

The community-based health planning and services (CHPS) programme was rolled out as a nationwide strategy to deal with the health challenges faced by Ghanaians, especially those in the rural communities, in the year 2000. However, more than a decade after its introduction, the CHPS programme is facing challenges with its implementation, particularly in the Greater Accra region. The objective of the study was to review the CHPS programme in the Ga East and West Municipal Assemblies and explore successes and constraints to its implementation in these districts. This was achieved by using an exploratory study design, which employed the dual approach of the quantitative and the qualitative methodology and involved the testing of four hypotheses which have been gleaned from the literature. The study found that in those places with on-going CHPS programmes, there is statistically significant evidence that: the implementation process is not flawed (p<0.001), mobilization of resources for the programme is adequate (p<0.001), the monitoring and evaluation of the programme is effective (p<0.001) and the health status of the communities with functional CHPS has improved (p<0.001). However, the study revealed that the major underlying factor limiting the successful implementation of the programme is the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the communities, which impede the community entry process of the CHPS programme. Also, the community health volunteers and the community health management committee members are not committed to the programme due to lack of financial support for their activities. The CHPS programme is making an impact in the communities; nevertheless, for a more effective realization of its objectives, it is recommended that the long community entry process be shortened and the volunteers be motivated with a token allowance to facilitate their activities to further improve healthcare delivery in the communities.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Care Management

Ghana Technology University Library

June 2018