Local participation, institutions and land acquisition for energy infrastructure: The case of the Atuabo gas project in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of land acquisition for a gas processing plant at Atuabo on the livelihood of affected farmers. The paper explores the extent to which affected farmers participated in the determination of compensation paid out to them and whether and how the compensation package adequately caters for the lost livelihoods. Using the livelihood approach as a guiding theoretical tool and data produced through interviews, observation, cases studies, and informal discussions, the study found that farmers' involvement in the com pensation process did not go beyond identification and measurement of their farms. With limited participation in the acquisition and compensation process, the farmers felt deprived of their entitlements and viewed the compensation as inadequate for their lost livelihoods and generational inheritance. It is recommended that the government actively engage with community members and traditional authorities to ensure that farmers are allocated new parcels of land for cultivation