Abstract:
Dynamic management systems for equitable distribution of drainage
basin resources for local communities have become necessary because of the
failure of early discriminatory institutional approaches that were used by
countries all over the world. Hence, the need to improve the capacities, and
strengthen the functional networks among management institutions such as
those responsible for river basins in developing countries such as Ghana has
become more critical considering the fast rate of degradation of the river
basins.
The main objective of the study was to examine the institutional
dynamics for managing the resources of the Lower Ankobra River Basin in the
Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive research design.
Using in-depth and semi-structured interview guides, data was solicited from
268 respondents who played several roles in the conservation of the basin’s
However, at the first-line or lower level of management, there were challenges
relating to financial, technical and legal capacities, and functional networks
among the institutions. The major consequences of such challenges were the
fast depletion, and the limited opportunities available for the local users of the
basin. The study recommends to government of Ghana to set up a single
institution with several departments that should work with the principles of
equity, accountability and efficiency that have been prescribed by the
egalitarian society to equitably share, and conserve, the resources in the Lower
Ankobra Basin for its users.
