Practices, Challenges, And Opportunities Of Good Governance: The Case Of Selected Public Institutions In Ambo District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study sought to assess the practice and challenges of good governance in Ambon woreda to investigate practice, challenges and opportunity of good governance in public sectors. The study was employed qualitative research methodology though descriptive research method using SPSS in order to achieve those aimed objectives. These data were obtained purposively from selected public institution (132 respondents) determined by convenience sampling techniques. The result of data analyzed showed that the study disclosed a low level of accountability and transparency in Ambo woreda public servant. Based on the analysis conducted using core elements of good governance namely accountability, transparency, equity and equality, effectiveness and efficiency and participation different achievements and failures were observed. Besides Transparence and Pervasive corruption is also perceived as a key governance problem in Ambo woreda public servant; however, due to fear of reprisal citizens lack experience in exposing corruption. In sum poor service delivery, the gap between local government representatives and the Ambo woreda public servant and people, high level of rent-seeking, weak political leadership, lack of timely response for a public interest, and public disengagement in shared affairs were found to be challenges of good governance. Henceforth, based on the findings, the researcher concluded that the current good governance practice in Ambo woreda public servant is weak and identified with a high level of rent-seeking among public servants as well as appointed authorities. This research argues for the existence of governance which ensures public engagement in decision making and prioritization of shared problems, accompanied by transparent and accountable administration