Embeddedness and Neo-Endogenous Regional Development in the Central Region of Ghana

The study aimed to explore, analyse, assess and reflect on embeddedness of two endogenous regional development institutions, CEDECOM and GHCT, and their impact on the Central Region space economy, against failure of exogenous regional development to deliver. It based on a combination of relevant concepts of embeddedness and related criteria of neo-endogenous institutional development, in a wattle-and-daub fashion, using secondary material derived from literature review and primary data collected through in-depth field interviews, with CEDECOM and GHCT seen as case studies. GHCT demonstrated social embeddedness through various institutional structures, cultural embeddedness in valuing the importance of the Mesomagor Bamboo Orchestra and tourism sector operators, and particularly functional-spatial embeddedness in its external contacts and networks. But it was equally limited in social and political embeddedness in low inclusiveness and participation in the economy and governance of the Kakum National Park. It was also challenged in terms of fairly poor economic activity organisation, limited participation in socio-economic activities, declining tourist visits, less financial performance and low planning capacity. CEDECOM was more socially embedded in local delivery and relational contexts, internal resource mobilisation, socio-economic and business development support, underlying institutional structures and networks, human capacity development. It was far less politically embedded, due its lack of establishment legislation and constrained operation as technical wing to the regional governance body and agency under a sector ministry. Similarly, its functional-spatial embeddedness was limited in its irregular external contacts and visibility in the cities, apart from less technological development and innovations and organisational capacity. Effective regional policy response should include emphases on adequate funding, legitimate legislative backing for CEDECOM, effective CEDECOM-GHCT relations, participation and inclusiveness in socio-economic activities in the Park and regional economies, organisational capacity and streamlining of institutional delivery systems, effective technological and innovation development, robust and institutional collaboration and promotion of regional sustainability.