GOVERNANCE AND LIVELIHOOD EFFECTS OF GHANA’S BUI DAM DISPLACEMENT AND RESETTLEMENT

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation into the structures and process of Ghana’s dam displacement and resettlement project in improving the livelihoods of displaced people. It is premised on the fact that displacement and resettlement failures are largely as a result of poor governance structures and processes that inhibit displaced people who are the primary beneficiaries of the resettlement process from making inputs and authentically participating in the process. The study is a single case study of the Bui Dam with the adoption of an actor-oriented approach anchored on political ecology with a focus on displaced persons as the main actors. Data was collected from BPA Resettlement Township B near Bongase in the Banda District between March, 2017 and March, 2018. In all, data were collected with 119 semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and 12 focus group discussions. It argues that there were suitable structures for delivery of good governance but these were flawed with procedural bottlenecks, which barred displaced people from making significant inputs in the process. Displaced persons’ capacities in exercising their rights in displacement and resettlement processes was poor. There was little interest and low participation by CSOs as watchdogs in the process. As a result, governance as in voice, accountability and participation was poor. It noted that displacement centred more on relocation and, as such, emphasis was laid on providing shelter and social amenities at the resettlements rather than on livelihood restoration measures. The inability of BPA to implement its own Livelihood Enhancement Project (LEP) over five years of resettlement has resulted in the impoverishment of resettled people far below pre-resettlement levels contrary to best practices in resettlement projects. Consequently, resettled people have resorted to massive outmigration to more resource endowed destinations; whilst other have ventured in scrap dealings and illegal mining. Farming in the resettlement area is now more intensive with the reduction of land sizes allocated to resettlers. Social and parental control of children and youth also low and immoral activities are on the rise. The study recommends the promulgation of a development-induced resettlement policy with emphasis on displaced people’s livelihood enhancement measures. It advocates for more civic education of displaced people on their rights during displacement; and the training and resourcing of more civil society organizations to act as ombudsmen during displacement and resettlement.