EFFECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF GHANA'S BUI DAM ON THE LIVELIHOODS AND LIFESTYLE OF THE DISPLACED PEOPLE

Abstract

The use of large dams for national development has often been criticised due to the negative outcomes associated with their construction. In this study therefore, an attempt is made to examine the effects of Ghana's Bui Dam on the livelihoods and lifestyle of the displaced people. The study used the concurrent approach of the mixed methods research but with a qualitative priority. Techniques such as key informant interviews, focus group discussion and survey were employed to collate and analyse the perceptions and experiences of the displaced people and their elders, the dam managers and other stakeholders. The results of the study showed that overall; the construction of the dam has negatively impacted the livelihoods and lifestyle of the displaced people. Access to the new lake for fishing activities has become difficult. The people's capital assets have also declined due to lack of land titles and inadequacy of the compensation package. The community leaders have also lost their prestige and power. Further, participation of the displaced people in the project was inadequate. On the positive however, the Bui Dam largely adhered to the principle of "free, prior and informed consent" and incorporated some lessons from the Volta River Project. Also, the resettlement has improved access to social services and positively improved the living conditions of the people. Generally, the rights of the people were protected throughout the project. The central policy implication of the study is that the construction of large dams may yield favourable outcomes for all stakeholders if only the tenets of approaches such as rights-based approach, participatory development and sustainable livelihoods approach would be adhered.