AN ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGES OF GOOD

GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP IN ZAMBIA

A LESSON FROM GHANA AND KENYA

By

MWELWA LOIS BWALYA

STUDENT NUMBER 201602649

AN OBLIGATORY ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF LAW OF

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY IN SUBSTANTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE (LLB)
CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the study by bringing out background information. The background
to this study followed by the statement of the problem under investigation, the research
objectives and questions as well as the significance of the study and the definition of terms as
they have been used in this study.

1.0 Background of the study

The emerging concept of sustainable development is prioritized in the programs of most

businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions
around the world regarding good governance (Bamidele, 2013). Sustainable development
encompasses development-focused activities that strive to enhance and promote the economic
and socio-political welfare of the populace within an ecologically sustainable framework at
all social organization levels (Grindle, 2004). It is an evolving context, and its conception
varies depending on the local settings. According to Onyekachi (2013), sustainable
development satisfies the requirements of the present generation without affecting the future
generations’ ability to meet their needs. Sustainable development is based on the people, and
as such, the government, which mirrors the people, should embody sustainability (Grindle,
2004). For the government to be successful in the implementation of the sustainable
development policies, it must demonstrate good governance per the people’s standards
(Grindle, 2004). Once the government is not thought of as credible, then it becomes
damaging to the measures of sustainable development (Grindle, 2004). This is based on the
premise that such a government lacks accountability to the citizens and some of the policies
become suspended leading to the standards of the economies being watered down. In Africa,
good governance has been quite elusive and attaining sustainable development has remained
a mirage (Onyekachi, 2013). This is because the governments’ policies have not been focused
on the people as defined by the concept of sustainable development. Since the 1980s,
governance has been a debatable topic and scholars, international organizations, and
governments have assumed different interpretations of the good governance.
Good governance is rare in Africa, but it exists in a few countries such as Botswana,
Mauritius, Senegal and Ghana. From a development perspective, good governance is a major
means for promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty and maintain peace.
Countries with good governance are efficient in delivery of public services, follow the rule of
law, and have inclusive institutions responsive to the needs of citizens. They are transparent
and promote participation as well as show respect for citizens and allow for a free press and
for overall freedom of expression.

Good governance plays an essential role in achieving multidimensional poverty-reduction

goals. Economic growth helps to reduce poverty only in good governance states in most
cases. Rapid and narrow growth driven by foreign aid can create misery and repression under
autocratic governance. Promoting rapid growth cannot reduce poverty unless there is good
governance present to design and implement inclusive development policies and social
programs to attack poverty directly. Economic development involves economic growth plus
structural change toward diversification and a broader participation of citizens in the growth
process, including integrated market development. Taking steps away from permanent
dependence on subsistence agriculture requires good governance policies such as land reform
that secures land ownership for citizens and farmers as well as providing necessary extension
services such as farmer education, credit, and improved farming inputs. Positive economic
transformation is impossible until a transformation occurs in which political leaders and
citizens support socioeconomic and political transformation by cooperation.

1.1 Problem Statement

Good governance is an important part of every legal system that ascribes to democratic
governance, embraces democratic principles. However, to achieve these goals, the
governance system has to be impeccable. The effect of an archaic govern system are far-
reaching on delivering social, political justice and upholding of that doctrines of supremacy
of the Constitution.

1.2 Research Objectives

Main objectives