CASE STUDY ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS ON AIRPORTS DEVELOPMENT : (A) CASE STUDY OF GHANA

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The development of a nation through improved connectivity is vital, and airport infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and promoting regional growth. However, in many democratic systems, the progress and prioritisation of airport projects are often heavily influenced by political factors, particularly during election seasons. This study examines how political campaign promises have affected airport development in Ghana from 2000 to 2024 (7 election cycles). This study employs a documentary-based approach, analysing political party manifestos, campaign speeches, media reports, parliamentary records, and documents from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). In Ghana, electoral motivations, the findings reveal, are closely tied to identifiable patterns in airport projects. Like the expansion of the Kumasi Airport, which has become Prempeh I International Airport, strong economic justification and important political attention were gained by some of these projects, making them maintain momentum across different administrations. On the other hand, like the Ho and Wa Airport projects, some projects after completion can face challenges because of weak demand, symbolic regional politics and lack of stakeholder alignment, which will lead to the “white elephant” scenario and underutilization. The proposed construction of an airport in Cape Coast is another pattern that was demonstrated where projects can face delays notwithstanding repeated political commitments, due to intense public scrutiny and questioned feasibility. A Comparative Analytical Framework based on four criteria is created by this research. These are political salience, economic feasibility, institutional alignment, and project outcomes. A typology of projects on the airport is created by this and introduces, (1) Political–Economic Alignment, (2) Politically Symbolic, and (3) Politically Contested. Connecting empirical findings to concepts within Public Choice Theory and Flyvbjerg’s framework of megaproject risks, this typology represents the study's key academic contribution. In conclusion, in shaping airport development decisions in Ghana, political campaigns play a vital role. However, hinging on the project's success is the interplay between political motivations, economic realities, and institutional capabilities. As part of the study’s recommendations are the mandatory independent feasibility assessments, greater transparency in infrastructure planning, and governance reforms to ensure that, beyond electoral interests, development holds long-term values.

Keywords Airport infrastructure, political campaign promises, comparative analytical framework, white elephant and feasibility

목차 (Table of Contents)

• CHAPTER ONE 1
• 1.1 Background of Study 1
• 1.2 Statement of the Problem 6
• 1.3 Research Aim 7
• 1.4 Research Objectives 7
• 1.5 Research Questions 8
• 1.6 Significance of this Study 9
• 1.7 Scope and Delimitation 9
• 1.8 The Structure of the Thesis 9
• CHAPTER TWO 11
• 2.1 Introduction 11
• 2.2 Stakeholder Pressure Stalling Implementation of a Political Campaign 11
• 2.3 Political Campaigns Significantly Influencing Public Infrastructure Decisions 15
• 2.4 Electoral Motives Leading to Rushed or Poorly Planned Projects 18
• 2.5 Campaigns Draw Attention to Infrastructure Needs 22
• 2.6 Political Campaigns Often Align with the Interests of Some Major Stakeholders 25
• 2.7 Synthesis and Literature Gap 27
• 2.8 Conceptual Framework 27
• CHAPTER THREE 29
• 3.1 Introduction 29
• 3.2 Research Design 29
• 3.3 Sources of Data 31
• 3.4 Data Collection Procedures 32
• 3.5 Data Analysis Method 33
• 3.6 Comparative International Context 34
• 3.7 Validity, Reliability, and Bias Management 35
• 3.8 Ethical Considerations 36
• 3.9 Limitations of the Methodology 37
• 3.10 Summary of Methodological Framework 37
• 3.11 Chapter Summary 38
• CHAPTER FOUR. 39
• 4.1 Introduction 39
• 4.2 Comprehensive List of Airport-Related Campaign Promises (2000–2024) 39
• 4.3 Election Outcomes and Whether Promises Track Electoral Success 42
• 4.4 Cases where Campaign Promise Led to Tangible Project (Promise→Project) 44
• 4.5 Cases where Promises were Delayed, Stalled or Failed 47
• 4.6 Cross-Case Synthesis — Patterns, Drivers and Risks 50
• 4.7 Limitations of this Chapter’s Evidence and Suggested Next Steps 51
• 4.8 Conclusion of Chapter Four 52
• CHAPTER FIVE 54
• 5.1 Introduction 54
• 5.2 Why do Some Promises Succeed while Others Fail 54
• 5.3 Linking Theory to Practice - A Typology of Politically Driven Airport Projects 58
• 5.4 Policy Recommendations 64
• 5.5 Theoretical and Academic Contribution. 67
• 5.6 Limitations and Future Research 67
• 5.7 Conclusion 68
• REFERENCES 70