Using Informal Institutions to Address Resettlement Issues – The Case of Ghana Dams Dialogue

Abstract

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.

Survey of Encroachment of the Benin-Ughelli Transmission Line Right of Way

“…For a project of this magnitude, it is expected that land owner will lose their land and the livelihood of households as well as communities are expected to be impacted, for which compensation is required by law [3,11]. Land in the project communities is primarily owned by families.…”

“…The environment supports the livelihood of persons, such that project-affected persons and communities often expect compensation for their losses. Failing to convince the owners of the land on which developmental projects are to be sited and also failing to reach an agreement on the deployment and siting of projects could lead to opposition to projects, which could cause lengthy and costly delays to the planning process and even jeopardizes the project altogether [3,4]. From an economic point of view, local opposition can be considered the result of externalities caused by grid development and imposed on neighbouring communities.…”

Socioeconomics Implications and the Resettlement Action Plan of Alaoji-Onitsha Transmission Line Project on Project Affected Persons

“…Therefore, resettlement substantially increases the risks of impoverishing project-affected individuals, groups, endangering their means of survival and limiting their prospect for sustainable development. The central goal of resettlement action is to make certain that impacted individuals are able to continue to live their lives to appreciable standards after project completion [4,5].…”

Impact Assessment of the Implementation Effect of the Post-Relocation Support Policies of Rural Reservoir Resettlers’ Livelihoods in Energy Transition

“…In the relevant report of the World Commission on Dams (WCD), those who are negatively affected by the development and utilization of water resources (such as the construction of hydropower stations) are called displaced people, resettlers, or affected people. The activities of these people are divided into displacement, resettlement, rehabilitation, repair, and development; that is, DRRD [9][10][11]. DRRD represents the whole resettlement process, which includes various risks and may even lead to poverty [12].…”