Abstract:
Several works have explored the relationship between oil and gas exploration and
the livelihood. Such works posit that the two are undeniable inversely related
(Auty, 1993; Le Billon, 2005; Basedau, 2005). Inferring from the state of oil
exploration and its effects on the livelihoods of the host communities, one
observes the significant role oil and gas exploration play in the national economy
while at the same time impoverishes the host communities. Thus, using the
positivist approach mainly through interviews with semi - structured
questionnaire, the study seeks to investigate the impact of oil and gas exploration
on the livelihoods of the host communities, using the 24 affected communities at
Jomoro District of the Western Region as a case study. The study revealed that
there is an inverse relationship between oil and gas exploration and the
livelihoods of the people in the host communities. The study however, pointed out
that whilst majority of the people in the host communities have their livelihoods
taken away from them, others saw improvement in their lives after getting
themselves engaged in the oil and gas sector and other new businesses springing
up in the communities. In view of this, it is recommended that Ghana should learn
the best practices from countries like Norway that ensures that oil and gas
resources benefit the entire populace while at the same time not impoverish the
host communities. Also, government should craft the community local content
law with community stakeholder involvement to ensure their interest are well
served.
