Monitoring of Natural Resource Governance: Assessment of Changes in Policy and Practice as a Result of the Multi-stakeholder Ghana Dams Dialogue: Final Report

This study examines the Bui Resettlement Programme within the context of international guidelines and protocols focusing on how the processes of the resettlement scheme have been informed by national and international standards, since the original Environmental and Social Assessment in 2007. The choice of Bui for this study is based on the myriad of problems associated with previous similar resettlements in Akosombo and Kpong. These problems range from inadequacy of resettlement houses built for the people, to inadequate compensations. The rationale is to examine the extent to which GDD activities in relation to Bui have influenced the processes in Bui and to draw lessons for future resettlements. The methodology used in undertaking the study included a systematic review of the activities of the large Ghana Dams Dialogue (GDD) and primary (field) data collected from stakeholders using focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations. These approaches allowed us to capture wider perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders in the resettlement process. This case study reviews and assesses changes made in policy and practice since the inception of the GDD process as illustrated by its influences on the Bui Resettlement Programme designed for the Bui Dam Project since 2006. GDD was set up in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder dialogue to learn lessons from past dams in Ghana with a view to improving future resettlement outcomes. The Dialogue, which has been managed by IWMI since its inception up until 2010, coincided with the planning and construction of the Bui dam.