Long-term impacts of resettlement: the Akosombo Dam experience
Tamakloe, M.A.
World Bank Technical Paper 227: 99-110
1994
Document Number: 288767
It is important to discuss the impact of resettlement wherever it occurs, for there are lessons to be learned from resettlement projects which are relevant to integrated rural development processes. In this paper, the main policy guidelines and strategies adopted for the Akosombo Dam Resettlement Scheme, Ghana, are discussed, followed by an outline of the implementation of the resettlement policy and programmes. Impacts of the various programmes on the resettlers are identified, and lessons drawn for future settlement policy and planning. The Volta River Project (VRP) at Akosombo led to the formation of a lake which covered 4% of the total land area of Ghana. The Volta River Development Act made provision for compensation to be paid, but was generally found to be inadequate. The paper looks at the human settlements that were destroyed by the creation of the dam, and the housing, farming and fishing programmes that were established. The long term impacts of resettlement are discussed, for example the creation of inter-tribal conflict between Twi-speaking Kwahu peoples of Apaaso and Dunkumang over the status and roles of different hierarchies of traditional authority. Ecological changes, health problems downstream, economic impacts, migration and the development of irrigated agriculture are discussed. Three specific recommendations are made: that there is a need to broaden the feasibility studies carried out in planning for resettlement; that a high-level coordinating body consisting of representatives from government, sector agencies, researchers, scientists, local people, and the dam authority is essential; and that it is necessary for all development agencies to have a proper perspective in the possible impacts of the project.