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This dissertation constructs a computable general equilibrium model for Ghana using the social accounting framework. The model is used to examine the macroeconomic effects of policies that alter the sectoral terms of trade in the Ghanaian economy. The study shows the macroeconomic effects at a greater level of disaggregation for this country than previous studies on the Ghanaian economy and achieves this through using updating techniques to construct social accounting matrices for three periods. / The results show that though improvements in the terms of trade for the Cocoa sector through currency devaluations, increases in the domestic price of exportables or through lower export taxes are critical to correcting the trade and government budget deficits however, excessive changes in these variables are destructive in their effects on sectors that rely on domestic demand for growth.

Budgeting in Ghana, not unlike that in any other country in the world, could be an important instrument for effecting economic development (ED) policies. As a numerical expression of the intended distribution of national public resources, it is a multifaceted phenomenon that reflects political and administrative decision making. Much evidence in the Third-World literature on budgeting and ED asserts that ED policies can be most effectively implemented when there is a systematic interrelation and coordination between budgeting and ED policies. The position taken in this dissertation goes beyond that assertion. Specifically, this dissertation posits, in addition to the systematic interrelationship and coordination between budgeting and ED policies, that ED policies should be systematically integrated with development administration and human-resource development. The dissertation evaluates Ghana's budgetary practices and policies as they affect the country's ED programs. Because these practices and policies are not systematically coordinated and integrated with ED policies, the study highlights and examines the dilemmas facing those who attempt to stimulate effective ED in Ghana, and it recommends changes. / Ph. D.

The primary purpose of this thesis is to discuss the protectionist policy of the first Republic of Ghana (1957-66). In particular it attempts to evaluate the performance of the key sectors of the economy under the policy using empirical and statistical data for the period and shortly thereafter. Such discussion is of paramount importance since it provides an insight into what future developmental and growth strategy needs to be adopted for Ghana. While avoiding the social, political and ideological discussions of the policy, the thesis provides an insight into the political atmosphere at the time and the ideological inclinations of the Leaders. The thesis begins by looking at the salient features of the economy of Ghana before independence. It then gives a brief background of protectionism in Ghana and the philosophy that led to its adoption. How the policy was implemented is also discussed. A theoretical background of the effects of protection and a sector by sector analysis and evaluation of the effects of protectionism in Ghana forms the substance of the thesis. While the focus of the discussion is on the first government of Ghana and its protectionist policy, an attempt is made to look at subsequent governments and their deviation, if any, from protectionism. An assessment of the policy arrived at the conclusion that while the leaders had been nationalistic about the policy, their adoption and implementation of the policy was nothing less than an economic blunder. / M.A.

The global financial and food crisis of 2007 and 2008 was followed by a surge in foreign interest and investment in African agriculture. Renewed global interest in African agriculture was also accompanied by an increase in international efforts to influence domestic agricultural policies, including in Ghana. In the context of an increasingly globalised food regime and integrated commodity markets, this thesis answers the question: to what extent do international actors impact domestic agricultural policies in Ghana? Policy 'impact' is understood as the marked influence that international actors have on policy goals and the resources, institutions, and knowledge used for achieving them. This thesis compares case studies of cocoa and rice policy over two different periods in Ghana's recent history (1983-1995 and 2003-2012) to understand how international actors use their power and resources to impact agricultural policies. The comparison of cocoa and rice policy is used to address two gaps in existing literature by examining how the impact of international actors relates to: 1) the political economy for a specific crop; and 2) the interaction between actors at international, national and local levels. Findings from the comparative analysis are then used to test existing theories for how international actors influence government policy in Africa more generally. In particular, findings provide new insights into how the impact of international actors on African agricultural policies is strongly associated with the effect of policy decisions on the longer-term political economy for a particular crop.