Effects of the Akosombo and Kpong power schemes on six selected Mafi-communities in the Volta region

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effects of Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric power projects on the lives of people and the natural environment in six Mafi communities within the Lower Volta Basin in the Volta Region. Systematic sampling technique was adopted to select one hundred and twenty (120) resident household heads for interview in the six study communities. Questionnaires were also administered to Environment and Community Development Officers of Volta River Authority (VRA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the North Tongu District (NTD) Planning Officer who were purposively sampled. The study found that the hydropower-projects on the Volta River have brought untold hardship onto the lives of the people, retarded the development of the communities and fueled dislocation of established family units and socio-cultural values in the study area. The study further revealed that the schemes have negatively affected the natural environment directly and also influenced human-induced environmental degradation in the study area. The study showed farming, firewood and charcoal burning and out-migration among a number of coping measures adopted by people in the study communities. Among recommendations made are as follows. The North Tongu District Assembly and VRA should promote aqua-culture and an integrated agri-business, and as well facilitate the removal and control of the growth of waterweeds on River Volta and its tributaries in the lower Volta basin including study area.