Joseph Ato Forson Livres

The critical role of water in sustaining life highlights the severe global challenges in accessing safe drinking water, particularly in developing countries. With the WHO reporting millions of deaths from water-related diseases, the situation is dire, especially in Ghana, where rural communities face significant issues due to inadequate investment and high rehabilitation costs for water facilities. Women disproportionately bear the burden, spending countless hours collecting water, further emphasizing the urgent need for effective policy and management solutions in water supply.

Analyzing the Thai tax system's impact on income distribution, this research paper utilizes 2005 data to assess whether the system is progressive or regressive across five income quintiles. It examines tax incidence in relation to poverty reduction and access to education and health services. The findings reveal a marginal improvement in income equality post-tax, with a slight decrease in the Gini coefficient, yet overall income disparity worsened, suggesting a regressive tax regime. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to address these issues.

This seminar paper evaluates obstacles to effective regional integration in West Africa, focusing on ECOWAS. Despite efforts over four decades, progress has been limited by issues such as political divides, protectionism, and instability. The paper suggests adopting aspects of the EU model while considering current challenges within the EU itself. Recommendations for ECOWAS are provided.