The Nexus between Communication and Development Planning. Exploring the Communication Methods Used by Development Planners in Ghana

Abstract

The nexus between Planning and communication especially in Africa is barely explored despite suggestions by renowned writers such as Habermas, whose communicative action theory has informed several Planning strategies that focus on providing more practical frameworks for understanding and practicing in the field.  Using the case study methodology, this study explored the case of four agencies engaged in development planning activities in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. It was found out the Planners hardly employ the wide range of communication methods available. This study reveals that the situation results from Planners’ preference for keeping to comfort-zones shaped by their limited levels of awareness, knowledge and competence and recommends that Planner employ the broad range of options to achieve greater efficacy in the communicative process of development planning.

Keywords: Communicative planning, communication methods, development planning, participation, Ghana