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Library / Are Natural Resource Windfalls a Blessing or a Cur...
Are Natural Resource Windfalls a Blessing or a Curse in Democratic Settings: A Case Study – Ghana?
Source: University of Dublin, 2016
Author(s): University of Dublin
Countries: Ghana
Topics: Conflict Causes, Economic Recovery , Extractive Resources, Governance
Added: 24/03/2017
In order to analyse the problematic impact of oil on Ghana’s development, this study relied on qualitative methods, supported by descriptive statistics, tables and graphs. These qualitative and quantitative methods complement each other to explain the problematic impact of oil. Qualitative methods used for data collection include semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document reviews. A survey was conducted with fisher-folks to assess the impact of the oil exploration on local livelihoods, income, poverty and the relationship with oil companies and the government. Triangulation of diverse methodologies helped to present the diversity of views, increased the credibility and trustworthiness of the data and research findings. Twenty-five key informant interviews were conduct to understand the impact of the oil industry on Ghana. The key informants included politicians and policy makers in Ghana, CSOs, executives from Kosmos and Tullow. Institutions and CSOs that informant interviewees were chosen from included; Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Ministry of Petroleum, Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Ghana Energy Commission and Environmental Protection Agency. Others included the Ghana Statistical Service, Bank of Ghana, Institute of Social, Statistical and Economic Research, Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice, Integrated Social Development Centre, Centre for Democratic Development, and Africa Centre for Energy Policy. Themes discussed with the informants differ based on the knowledge of oil industry and how the activities of institution are related to it. Issues discussed included; the impact of oil on employment, agriculture and industrial development, governance, institutions and corruption and conflicts. Other issues focused on the impact of oil on economic growth, currency movement and environmental challenges such as gas flaring, pollution, waste management, and loss of biodiversity.