With particular reference to the Bui dam, irrespective of the achievements chalked in executing certain perspectives of the Resettlement Planning Framework, vis-à-vis the fulfilment of some promises, these achievements are not tenable (unceasing) in view of the fact that the sustained prevalence of these facilities is heavily reliant on the folks’ sustenance which is non-existent and far-fetched. The main rationale of this paper is to assess the resettlement scheme of the Bui hydro project using the social lens. That notwithstanding, the study identified the key attributes of effective resettlement plan, determined the distinctive social implications of resettlement schemes on displaced individuals caused by dam construction, as well as investigated the critical socio-cultural issues associated with resettlement schemes in Ghana, specifically using Bui Power Authority (BPA) and Gyama New Settlement Township (BPAGs) as the case study organization and locality respectively. Purposive sampling using questionnaire instrumentation was used to collect data from the staff/resettlers of the organization and locality under scrutiny. A 5-Point Likert scale which was later transformed into the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to identify the key attributes of effective resettlement plan, determine the distinctive social implications of resettlement schemes on displaced individuals caused by dam construction, as well as investigate the critical socio-cultural issues associated with resettlement schemes at BPAGs. The results indicated the 6 key attributes of effective resettlement plan in Ghana as: sustainable and effective compensation framework, effective participation of APs, thorough description of resettlement assistance and restoration of livelihood activities, consideration of short and long term strategies/government responsibility of APs’ rights, strict adherence to monitoring and evaluation regimes, in addition to clarity of definition in terms of entitlements, eligibility, ethnicity, etc. Secondly, with respect to the distinctive social implications of resettlement schemes on displaced individuals caused by dam construction, participants at BPAGs intimated the following parameters: loss of asset that supports community livelihoods, economic upheavals, adverse health implications for communities, loss of cultural identity, adverse impact of conservation efforts (ancestral heritage sites), including shift in social roles. Furthermore, the critical socio-cultural issues associated with resettlement schemes in Ghana as revealed by the respondents’ were as follows: social or psychological marginality, social disarticulation/social costs, depreciation of ethnic group’s social status, dispersion and fragmentation of existing communities, education loss as a distinctive and additional risk, as well as loss of control over physical space of APs. It is recommended that stakeholders, project developers, economies across the globe inculcate these strategic initiatives: Avoidance or minimization of involuntary resettlement, reconceptualization of resettlement programs, encouragement of community participation, and effective compensation packages should be given the needed precedence, etc. so as to manage the issues identified.

The Volta River Authority Resettlement Trust Fund' (VRA RTF) was established by the Ghanaian Government, with some threshold of assistance from the VRA outfit. More than thirty years after the dam's construction project got its finality, a scheme was subsequently introduced to ensure that earnings emanating from the dam's activities would be of immense relevance to the deranged folks by providing socio-economic amenities like water and sanitation, infrastructural developmental projects among others. However, financing deficiencies appear to be an indispensable and integral setback as far as the pursuance of the Trust's mission is concerned. The study set out to analyze the relevance of VRA RTF as a benefit sharing mechanism in Ghana, specifically, using the employees of VRA RTF in conjunction with the resettlers belonging to Senchi Ferry Township (VRATFCs). Among other objectives, the study determined the distinctive relevance of RTFs to affected individuals, identified the key monetary and non-monetary benefit sharing mechanisms (BSMs) adopted by project developers for displaced individuals, in addition to the critical challenges confronting the smooth functioning of RTFs in Ghana. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research were adopted for the study. Convenience sampling using questionnaire instrumentation was used to collect data from the staff of VRA RTF and chosen Senchi Ferry Township resettlers. A 5-Point Likert scale which was later fine-tuned into the Relative Importance Index (RII), SPSS Version 22.0 and Microsoft Excel were used for the data analysis. The results indicated the 6 distinctive relevance of RTFs at VRATFCs as water and sanitation, educational enhancement, health improvement, improvement of agricultural projects, community development via socio-cultural activities. To add to this, the 5 key monetary and non-monetary benefit sharing mechanisms as revealed by the participants' were as follows: revenue sharing, development funds, property taxes, equity sharing as well as livelihood and restoration enhancement. More so, with reference to the critical challenges confronting the smooth functioning of RTFs at VRATFCs, 6 bottlenecks realized were as follows: improper costing of relocation packages (ineffective budgeting), inadequate compensation of displaced individuals, inactive involvement of the displaced individuals in the decision making process, insufficient grant allocation to the fund, clarity of rules and policies relating to fund disbursement, vis-à-vis questionable timing of the resettlement processes. It is recommended that the management of VRA RTF, well-informed resettlers and policy-makers at VRATFCs in Ghana and beyond strictly adhere to the establishment of project specific development funds, accountability and transparency regimes, active involvement of resettlers in the decision making process, increment of grant to the RTF, adequate compensation of displaced individuals, effective costing of relocation packages. These strategic initiatives will inadvertently ...

The study set off to address resettlement issues through the effective utilization of informal institutions, vis-à-vis the Ghana Dams Dialogue, but specifically sourced information from respondents inhabiting both Kpong and VRA resettlement townships (KAVRTs) in Ghana. Among other objectives, the study investigated the key economic and social implications of resettlement schemes on displaced individuals, in addition to the critical factors affecting informal institutions in addressing resettlement issues in Ghana. Per the study's execution, the researcher adopted both qualitative and quantitative method of research as well as convenience sampling technique to select respondents at the institution for their views on the study. A questionnaire was adopted as the main survey instrument while 5-Point Likert scale which was later transform into the Relative Importance Index (RII) was employed to facilitate the analysis of data obtained from the field. Findings of the study indicated the 6 key economic and social implications of resettlement schemes on displaced individuals' determinants at KAVRTs as high morbidity/mortality rates, loss of economic power, compromising and destroying of farming systems, livelihood deficits and marginalization, psychological and socio-cultural stress as well as disorganization and framework of indigenous markets dissimilar from the erstwhile format. Furthermore, with respect to the critical factors affecting informal institutions in addressing resettlement issues at KAVRTs, 6 notable constructs were also intimated by the respondents', namely: in effective planning regimes, restrictive implications of livelihood restoration programs, procedural delays associated with compensation, lack of transparency in land allocation/farming techniques and partiality, inadequate compensation and rehabilitation assistance in addition to questionable housing policy. Having noted the critical factors informal institutions face in addressing resettlement issues at KAVRTs, the study recommended it strictly adheres to the promotion of interactions among stakeholders on compensation issues, swift maturation of GDD policy levels, GDD strengthening of its engagement with relevant agencies, effective participation, upholding of citizenship rights, identification and evaluation of asset contribution, provision of social amenities, active NGO participation, promotion of shared cultural values, vis-a-vis livelihood support programs (LSP) among others captured in the study to manage the critical issues raised.