Challenges and Prospects of IPSAS Implementation in the Ghanaian Public Sector: A Case Study of the Western Regional Coordinating Council

Abstract: This study examines the challenges and prospects associated with the adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) at the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) in Ghana. Drawing on a quantitative descriptive research design with a census sample of 84 finance, audit, and management personnel, the study employs descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations to analyze responses collected via a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The findings reveal that IPSAS implementation at the WRCC is confronted with significant challenges, most prominently high maintenance and module costs (M = 4.38, SD = 0.74), inconsistent stakeholder financial support (M = 4.04, SD = 0.62), inadequate financial and human resources (M = 3.95, SD = 0.56), and inflexible organizational culture (M = 3.84, SD = 0.72). Despite these barriers, respondents identify a broadly favorable outlook for IPSAS, with anticipated benefits including enhanced performance evaluation (M = 4.19, SD = 0.57), superior asset acquisition decision support (M = 4.32, SD = 0.72), improved financial comparability (M = 4.09, SD = 0.57), and reduced fraud and corruption (M = 3.53, SD = 0.83). The overall prospects mean of 3.48 (SD = 0.60) reflects a cautiously optimistic consensus. The study is theoretically grounded in New Public Management theory and Stakeholder theory, offering a nuanced analysis of how resource constraints and institutional cultures mediate the IPSAS reform agenda. The findings carry actionable implications for policymakers, public financial management practitioners, and institutional leaders seeking to advance IPSAS adoption in Ghana and comparable developing-country contexts.