CHAPTER ELEVEN
William Baah-Boateng1*, Richard Twum-Barimah2, Louisa M. Sawyerr3,4 and Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu3,4
1 Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon
2 Volta Basin Development Foundation, Accra, Ghana
3 Centre for African Wetlands, University of Ghana, Legon
4 Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon
*Corresponding author: wbboateng@ug.edu.gh/wbaahboat@post.harvard.edu
Abstract
This paper assesses the extent of the perceived effects of the re-operation of the Akosombo and Kpong dams on the livelihoods of downstream communities. A total of 15 downstream communities across three regions, Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern were covered in the study. The qualitative analysis was based on data and information obtained from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews while the quantitative analysis used primary data collected through the administration of structured questionnaire in a feld survey. The main sources of livelihood of the community are farming and fshing, with about two-thirds of the people claiming to be poorer now than before the construction of the dams. The negative socioeconomic effect of the operation of the dams is largely related to the economic activity engaged in by residents. The greatest adverse consequence of the dams’ operation reported was its effect on fsh catch, followed by loss of land, drop in farm yield and periodic flooding. The rating of the net effect varied across jobs, with the least recognition of net positive effect acknowledged by farmers. The highest recognition of the positive net effect of the dams’ operation came from those in other types of economic activities such as driving, tailoring, and carpentry.
Keywords: Re-operation, Dams, Perceptions, Effects, Livelihoods
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