Beyond autonomy: repositioning the right to self-representation within the value of fair trial in criminal proceedings in Ghana

This article examines the legal framework for the grant and exercise of the right to self-representation in criminal proceedings in Ghana, using a doctrinal research approach. It finds that the exaltation of the value of autonomy of the right above considerations of procedural equality and trial fairness affects the integrity of the trial process. More importantly, the legal system in Ghana provides little or no standards setting the modalities of the exercise or revocation of the right. This article recommends a departure from the general standard of proceeding pro se which pays no regard to the competency of the accused person in favour of an adoption of a competency-based approach in order to guarantee an effective exercise of the right to self-representation. It also suggests the formulation and adoption of efficient standards in line with international law for the purpose of delimiting the scope of revocation of the right in criminal proceedings.     

The influence of functional and geographical diversity in collaboration on product innovation performance in SMEs

Collaboration in innovation is considered an effective strategy to overcome barriers to innovate in SMEs. However, resource constraints and risk of knowledge leakage force management in SMEs to be selective with whom and where to collaborate. Still little is known about interactions between types of partners and their geographical location. This paper sheds new light on the relation between functional and geographical diversity in innovation partners and new-to-the-market and new-to-the-firm innovation performance in SMEs. Using data from two waves (2008 and 2010) of the Community Innovation Survey for Belgium, a positive relation is found between market partners and innovation new-to-the-firm, and between science and global partners and innovation new-to-the-market. A larger diversity in type and in geographical spread of partners is found to be positively associated with innovation new-to-the-market. Cooperation with a diverse set of market partners enhances new-to-the-firm innovation. More diversity in science partners enhances the balance between new-to-the-firm and new-to-the-market innovation. Diversity among international partners enhances new-to-the-firm and new-to-the-market innovation, but not the balance between both. A cooperation strategy balancing functional with geographical partner diversity enhances the balance between new-to-the-firm versus new-to-the-market innovation.     

Empowering and shaping gender relations? Contesting the microfinance–gender empowerment discourse

This article critically examines the role of microfinance in shaping gender relations and empowerment outcomes for women. One aim of advancing credit to women is to empower them, thereby increasing their bargaining power and challenging existing gender subordination. We caution against this view and instead show that the mainstream argument is much more complex than what the popular rhetoric preaches. We argue that lack of a systematic strategy to incorporate men and the wider socio-cultural dynamics within which women are domiciled radically constrain the empowerment potential of microcredit programmes, and in some contexts may lead to unintended consequences for women.     

Reforming the Companies Code of Ghana: Which Way to Go?

The health of the economy of Ghana is inextricably linked with the responsiveness of its company law to the realities of business companies. Ghana’s once much lauded Companies Code, 1963 (Act 179) is now in need of updating, as a result principally of the changing dynamics of Ghana’s emerging free market economy. It is now time for us to rethink what should be the proper role of company law in Ghana’s economy and reform Ghana’s Companies Code accordingly. Such well thought out reforms should make Ghana’s company law globally competitive and enhance Ghana’s attractiveness as a destination for investors coming to sub‐Saharan Africa.