Rising expectations and dying hopes: Local perceptions of oil and gas extraction in Ghana. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohammed, Asaah Sumaila; Graham, Emmanuel; Dary, Stanley K.
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 88(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Oil and gas benefits -- Expectations -- Contentions -- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) -- Ghana; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2022.102529
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Abstract: The paper examines local actors' expectations against actual outcomes following Ghana's oil discovery in 2007 and oil production from 2010, respectively. The paper employed a mixed-method approach and collected data at different times from local actors in six districts located along the coast of the Western Region of Ghana. A Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks Test was used to compare differences in median responses on local actors' expectations and actual outcomes along 17 development dimensions, both positive and negative. The qualitative data was analysed thematically, and the results were presented in narratives to reflect the voices of the respondents. The results show that the high expectations of benefits to communities and local actors upon the discovery of the oil have declined significantly since the production of the oil. The differences between expectations of benefits and actual outcomes have sparked contentions between local actors and oil companies with local actors employing different strategies to achieve their interests. Contentious strategies are becoming rampant and creating tension in the area. The study further found that local actors' expectations of negative developments such as tenant evictions, restriction of fishing and children stopping schooling measure up with actual outcomes. The paper recommends that urgent legislation and policies that will create space for effective benefits negotiations between local actors and oil companies should be instituted.