Scholars posit that the value for money (VfM) concept offers a broader way of measuring government performance and guiding policy decisions (see e.g., Kelly et al., 2002). Explain and apply the relevant element (s) of value for money as an assessment tool to the following case, providing explanations for your answer:

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly decided to set up a new programme to reduce litter dropping. As part of the process, the Assembly had to agree with stakeholders on a set of outcomes for the programme which will be used as the basis for measuring the effectiveness of the programme in a year. Three proposals with respect to the cost of resources required were received:

Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Proposal 3

GHC 20millionGHC 25million GHC 23million

Proposal 3 was however used to budget for the programme and managers of the programme are allowed cost over-run in their drive to meet the outcome. During the first year of the programmes it was observed that the programme achieved 95% of its outcomes and officials of the Assembly declared a victory against litter. Similar programmes in the Tema Metropolitan Assembly produce the same outcome; however, the cost of these programmes are relatively lesser. Also, the most disadvantaged parts of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly were those with the biggest litter problems and these neighbourhoods improved more, from a lower base, than wealthier places.