Traditional authority structures and influence on public construction projects: potential, possibilities, reality

Ayirebi Dansoh, Samuel Frimpong and Goodenough Dennis Oppong

Chapter 13 in Research Companion to Advances in the Construction Industry in the Global South, 2026, pp 295-324 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Effective stakeholder governance is crucial for promoting the social acceptability and value of public construction projects. However, project managers often prefer minimal interference from other stakeholders even within the context of complex and diverse multi-stakeholder networks. Research suggests that involving traditional authorities, who represent public interests worldwide, can improve project outcomes. This chapter explores the potential benefits and challenges of including traditional authorities in multi-stakeholder governance of projects. A literature review and case study reveal that traditional authorities can resolve conflicts, monitor project compliance, and provide community representation and stewardship. Their strategies, such as multi-stakeholder deliberations, decentralised decision-making, self-organisation and social networking, and strategy variation can be effective. While their inclusion can bring benefits, it may also complicate matters if relationships with their subjects are strained. This chapter provides insight to facilitate collaboration between the project management team and traditional authorities to improve the social acceptability and value of public construction projects.

Keywords: Traditional authority; Stakeholder management; Multi-stakeholder network governance; Infrastructure; Social acceptability and value; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035349012
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