Abstract:
Petroleum production has been found to provide immense benefits in areas of
job creation and revenue generation to host countries across the globe.
Arguably, petroleum production in Ghana has not translated into the expected
economic and socio-cultural wealth of host communities. This study, therefore,
examined economic and socio-cultural impact of the oil and gas operations in
the Ellembelle District, Western Region of Ghana. The study employed the
mixed research approach and descriptive design. It was found that oil and gas
operations have resulted in shortages of housing units, increased market
connectivity, loss of livelihoods, resource related disputes and threat to the
quality of ecological life. It was also found that majority (64.2%) of residents in
host communities were highly dissatisfied with oil and gas operations because
these companies were unwilling to improve their operations to suit the needs of
residents. It was therefore recommended that policy makers in the oil and gas
sector implement policies aimed at improving the operations of the oil and gas
companies.
