Knowledge, expectation and fears of oil activities in fishing, farming and market communities in Sekondi -Takoradi

Abstract

As the capital of the Western Region and one of Ghana's fastest growing cities, Sekondi -Takoradi has become the hub of oil activities since the discovery and production of the resource. Majority of economic activities center on fishing, farming, trade and service. Activities in mining and lumbering from other areas in the Western region have also generated growth in the metropolis. With the discovery of oil in 2007, however, there has been some expansion of the port facilities as well as plans to restore the rail system. The coastal location of most of the communities has given room for the development of the vibrant fishing sector which still persists. Local and commercial fishing activities are undertaken by both indigenes and migrants. Farming has been on the decline as farmlands close to the city center consistently give way to the spread and need for residential facilities in response to the increasing costs of land. This paper looks at 3 communities engaged in fishing, farming and trade in service within the metropolis. Qualitative and quantitative data from interview and household surveys conducted in March 2013 are used in discussing the knowledge, expectations and fears of households in regard of oil activity. Knowledge on products derived from crude oil refinement is appreciably high, especially in the trade service community. In contrast knowledge on the laws governing the sectors activities is not appreciable in any of the three communities. The level of fear is low as many respondents are affirmative on the positive benefits of oil activity. The paper concludes that with dissemination of information through the right channels and improved knowledge sources, high expectations can be appropriately managed