Harnessing crisis for innovation: exploring ‘policy windows’ in Ghana’s COVID-19 response

This study explores the dual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, examining both the negative consequences (darkness) and the positive innovations (light) it sparked in the realms of public policy and governance. Drawing on the metaphors of ‘light and ‘darkness’ as well as ‘Policy Streams’ Model, the study uses content analysis of secondary data from government reports, academic publications, media outlets, and health documents. It identifies how the pandemic created a policy window that enabled rapid innovation in healthcare and digital technologies, along with significant state-society collaboration in response to healthcare challenges. Key findings highlight the development of locally produced ventilators, the construction of health infrastructure, and the widespread adoption of technology, all of which underscored opportunities for long-term policy transformation. The study emphasizes that crises like COVID-19 should be viewed not only as challenges but also as moments of potential for systemic reform and governance innovation. These insights are crucial for enhancing public administration theory and practice in developing countries, particularly in managing future crises.