Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
Volume 28, Issue 5, Pages 5359-5371Publisher
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10880-3
Keywords
Hydrocarbons; Environmental regulation; Livelihoods; Sustainable impact; Exploration
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The study critically examines the impacts of oil and gas exploration on selected communities in Ghana, highlighting challenges such as increased living costs, declining fish catch levels, and inadequate infrastructure.
This paper seeks to critically study the perceived impacts of the exploration of hydrocarbons in selected coastal communities in the Western region, the oil and gas industry benefits to local communities, and to determine whether hydrocarbon development is a means for sustainable development. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches using a questionnaire survey, key informant interview, and focus group discussion tools to understand the impact of oil and gas exploration and production in selected affected communities along the coast of Ghana. The activities of oil production and exploration impact negatively on communities; it also leads to a sharp increase in food prices thereby increasing their costs of living. The activity has also caused a decline in fish catch levels which happens to be the main economic activity as a result of exclusion zones created by oil companies which limited the extent fishermen can go fishing. In terms of infrastructure, the three communities are lacking, 77% of respondents from Princess Town hold the view that there is no motorable road linking their community in the next town and 60% from Aketakyi also hold the same view. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, water provision, and clinics are woefully provided in these communities.
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