Land grabbing in the oil and gas regions of Ghana : emerging problems and challenges
Tina Dzigbordi Wemegah & Edward Attimo Amihyiah Kwesi
One of the emerging problems associated with Ghanaas oil and gas development is the acquisition of large tracts of land and its subsequent socio-economic and cultural impacts in the coastal regions of the Jomoro and Elembele Districts which are the immediate host communities of the oil and gas deposits. These regions are experiencing restriction on sea fishing, and their farmlands are being taken over by projects related to the oil and gas development. As a result of this, concerns and agitations are being raised as to alternative sources of livelihood and who is to provide them, adequate compensation, protection of their ancestral rights in the sea and land, protection against likely famine and other perceived problems attributable to the oil and gas development in the region. This paper discusses these emerging problems and suggests ways of dealing with them effectively. It also discusses and highlights the importance of geo-information technology and the role of surveyors in solving such problems. Data was compiled from direct field visits and observation, interviews and relevant literature on the issues. The paper observes that one of the major impacts of the oil and gas developments in Ghana can be seen in the pollution and destruction of natural sources of livelihoodd the sea and coconut plantationnin the host communities of the Jomoro and Elembele coastal lands, and that this has the potential of rendering the indigenes poorer and less capable to manage their own socio-economic needs if sustainable interventions measures are not put in place to cater for this. It therefore recommends that the oil and gas companies, the state and all concerned stakeholders should give proper attention to the emerging problems and apply the suggested solutions to address them before they get out of hand.
Event: XXV FIG International Congress : Engaging the Challenges, Enhancing the Relevance
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