Ghana: the political economy of recovery

In: SAIS African Studies Library

Abstract

Ghana has emerged as the test case of what structural adjustment can achieve in overcoming economic stagnation and administrative deficiencies. Since Jerry Rawlings implemented IMF/World Bank-recommended reforms, the results in terms of economic growth and institutional development in the short term have been impressive. The long-term impact, however, remains uncertain, making it far from clear whether Ghana can be considered a model for other countries. The authors in this book look at the issues involved in Ghana's current reform program. For example, can meaningful export diversification be achieved? Must structural adjustment programs necessarily involve heavy social costs for the general public? How does such a reform program affect the regime's support base? What is the likely impact of structural adjustment on state reform?