Community participation and infrastructure sustainability in the Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam District, Ghana: The mediating role of quality infrastructure

Abstract

Community participation has long been recognised as crucial for ensuring infrastructure sustainability. The success of any development relies deeply on actively involving communities in all stages, from design to implementation and maintenance, as these projects directly impact their quality of life. This study examined the influence of community participation on infrastructure sustainability, focusing on the mediating role of infrastructure development in Ajumako-Bisease of Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam District, Ghana. Using a quantitative research approach and explanatory design, data were collected from 125 households through a structured questionnaire utilizing the multi-stage sampling technique. The analysis was conducted using SPSS and PLS-SEM. The outcome of the study showed that (1) community participation positively relates to quality infrastructure, (2) quality infrastructure has a positive effect on infrastructure sustainability, (3) community participation positively relates to infrastructure sustainability, and (4) there is a positive indirect effect of quality infrastructure on community participation and infrastructure sustainability. These findings highlight the importance of institutionalising community participation in aligning infrastructure projects with user needs and fostering sustainability. The study suggests that government agencies and stakeholders should adopt inclusive frameworks to encourage active community participation at all stages of infrastructure development.