“We are not seeing anything Ooh!!!”. Responses to the Oil and Gas Sector Policies in the Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

This thesis has attempted to look at how Ghana can avoid the conflict trap that has beset most African countries. In doing this, it sought to look at the perceptions and expectations of the inhabitants of the Western region as well as the impact of the oil exploration on their lives. To explain the concept of the conflict trap the economic and non-economic narratives of conflicts were thoroughly discussed and used as a lens through which the data collected was analysed with reference to other African countries. The study was based on seventeen (17) interviews and three (3) focused group discussions from two communities in the Western region of Ghana (Shama and Cape Three Points). Five officials of GNPC and the MoE were also interviewed to solicit their opinions about the LCP.

The findings of the study indicate that most of the inhabitants of the two communities studied, perceived that, the resource belonged to them just like other resource rich states in Africa and that they deserve a percentage of the resource revenue. They expected improved job opportunities and social amenities in their communities. However, after over five years of exploration they complained about continuous lack of social amenities and declined livelihood due to ban on fishing close to the oil rig and the presence of sea weeds which had a negative impact on fish catch and undermining traditional livelihoods.

To avoid the conflict trap there is the need for the expectations of the inhabitants of the oil bearing communities to be managed. The prudent management of resource wealth and the transparent accountability of resource revenues would help assuage any acrimony. Also, infrastructural development, by the provision of schools, hospitals and good roads would help mitigate the negative impact of the oil extraction.