Research Article
Exploring the Impact of Demographic Characteristics on Access to Basic Social Services in Ghana: A Multivariate Regression Analysis Approach
Iddrisu Bariham*
,
William Kofi Nkegbe
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
101-117
Received:
15 April 2026
Accepted:
24 April 2026
Published:
16 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ss.20261503.11
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Abstract: Most people living in the underserved rural communities in Ghana, do not have access to basic social services, such as portable water, electricity, mobile phones and internet, to promote healthy and productive living. Consequently, this research explores the influence of demographic variables on people access to basic social amenities using the Afrobarometer survey Round 10 data on Ghana. A total of 2,400 respondents were randomly sampled across all districts in the 16 regions. Structured questionnaires were the main instruments used for data collection. The data was analyzed using inferential statistics, such as correlation and multivariate regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings show a significant effect of socio-spatial, educational, and gender disparities in access to basic social services in the country. Individual level of education emerged as a strong predictor of access to the internet, mobile phone ownership and portable water. People's location, particularly the rural-urban divide, proved to be a major determinant of access to basic social amenities, while regional inequalities were evident across nearly all the outcome variables. The study recommends positioning education as a central instrument for socio-economic empowerment and civic engagement; targeted, context-specific development planning policies that prioritize expansion of infrastructure and social amenities to underserved communities; bridging the digital divide; and implementation of gender-sensitive digital inclusion strategies to reduce technology access gaps that constrain women's socio-political participation.
Abstract: Most people living in the underserved rural communities in Ghana, do not have access to basic social services, such as portable water, electricity, mobile phones and internet, to promote healthy and productive living. Consequently, this research explores the influence of demographic variables on people access to basic social amenities using the Afr...
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Research Article
Custom, Consensus, and Authority: Khasi Traditional Institutions and Local Governance in Umniuh Village, Meghalaya
Banshaikupar Lyngdoh Mawlong*,
Thingbaijam Alice,
Thangminlun Haokip,
Teli Pompi,
Thompson V Beiraduasa,
Kyntibajanai Mawlong,
Zomuanpuia,
Willsium Reang
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
118-123
Received:
26 April 2026
Accepted:
9 May 2026
Published:
19 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ss.20261503.12
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Abstract: This paper seek to analyse the Khasi traditional institutions of local governance: the Dorbar Shnong (village council) and the Rangbah Shnong (village headman). Drawing on field study report, official legislation, and academic studies, we examine how these bodies function in practice, their legal context, and their roles in modern governance. In Umniuh, the Dorbar Shnong is an all-adult council that meets to make consensus decisions on local matters, while the Rangbah Shnong is the elected leader who implements council resolutions. The study found that villagers (adult men) actively participate in Dorbar meetings and respect these customs for law, land, and development decisions. The interplay between customary practice and statutory law emerges as a theme: for example, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Act (2014) recognizes Dorbar Shnongs and defines their functions, yet in practice their authority comes from local norms (the “sanad” of traditional rulers) more than modern law. Methodologically, data were gathered through interviews with the Rangbah Shnong and Dorbar members, observation of Dorbar meetings, focus groups, and document review, and analysed by thematic coding and simple descriptive statistics. In conclusion, we discuss how Umniuh’s Dorbar Shnong and Rangbah Shnong exemplify Khasi “folk democracy”, highlighting both the strengths of participatory customary governance and its challenges.
Abstract: This paper seek to analyse the Khasi traditional institutions of local governance: the Dorbar Shnong (village council) and the Rangbah Shnong (village headman). Drawing on field study report, official legislation, and academic studies, we examine how these bodies function in practice, their legal context, and their roles in modern governance. In Um...
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