Prof. Mary Boatema Setrana, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Research Chair on forced displacement in West Africa and current Director of the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana, has recently conducted exploratory visits to communities affected by displacement in Ghana.
These visits were part of a broader effort to understand the causes, effects, and coping strategies of forced displacement in the country.
In her findings, Prof. Setrana highlighted the significant impact of extreme weather events and human activities on displacement in the visited communities. She stated, “Interactions with community residents revealed that the major cause for their displacement is extreme weather events caused by heavy rainfalls, which contribute to flooding.”
Prof. Setrana outlined the effects of displacement on the affected populations, including loss of homes, livelihoods, and social services. She noted, “The effects of displacement were profound, including loss of homes, livelihoods, social services and infrastructure.”
“These paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by displaced individuals and families in Ghana and among these challenges. The clear picture is that women and children are the most affected by such environmental displacements,” the IDRC Research Chair added.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Setrana highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and their adoption of coping strategies. She remarked, “Residents in these communities have adopted some coping strategies, although unsustainable, to enable them to continue living in the area.”
Prof. Setrana stressed the importance of comprehensive strategies to address the root causes and mitigate the impacts of displacement. She stated, “The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes and mitigate the impacts of displacement." This call to action highlights the necessity of evidence-based interventions to support affected communities and promote resilience.
The insightful exploratory visits by the IDRC Research Chair and her research team provided valuable insights into the complex issues surrounding forced displacement in Ghana.
The findings serve as a foundation for further research and policy development to address this pressing humanitarian challenge and provide an opportunity to support efforts aimed at alleviating the plight of displaced communities and promoting sustainable solutions to forced displacement.
