CHAPTER TWELVE
Fidelia Ohemeng1*, Narkie N. A. Nartey2, Louisa M. Sawyerr2, Richard Twum-Barimah3 and Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu2
1 Department of Sociology, University of Ghana, Legon
2 Centre for African Wetlands, University of Ghana, Legon and Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon
3 Volta Basin Development Foundation, Accra, Ghana
*Corresponding author: fohemeng@ug.edu.gh
Abstract
The Akosombo and the Kpong Hydroelectric Dams were built in the 1960s and the 1980s respectively. The purpose of the dams was to accelerate the development of Ghana. However, the building of the dams affected the socio-economic lives, as well as the ecology of the riparian communities. Thus, efforts have been made over the years to improve the livelihoods of the communities downstream. However, it is important that the communities are part of the planning of any interventions. This paper seeks to examine the preferences of downstream communities regarding dam re-optimisation scenarios. A total of 283 participants from 99 communities in eight districts took part in the study. Three scenarios were presented to the communities and they were asked to indicate their preference and the reasons for their choice. The fndings indicate that the most pressing challenge of the communities is the prolifc growth of aquatic weeds on the river which demands urgent atention. Taking into consideration the fact that the communities consist of different interest groups, an intervention must attempt to address the various needs of the different stakeholders.
Keywords: Dams, Downstream communities, Re-optimisation, Scenarios, Volta River
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