Effects of the oil-find on land management in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, Western Coast of Ghana

ABSTRACT

The recent oil-find at the ‘Jubilee Fields’ has impacted every sector of Ghanaian life. There is a need to understand these changes, to better manage their effects. This study investigated the dynamics surrounding land management in Sekondi-Takoradi following the oil find. Data were collected from the city in 2018 using qualitative approaches like direct observations, in-depth interviews and informal conversation. All in all, 65 informants were consulted using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. This data was analysed by listening, transcribing, coding interviews, identifying relevant information and matching results with the objectives of this study. Our findings indicate a growing demand for land which has resulted in an increase in land conflicts in the metropolis. There is, therefore, the need to revise future land use patterns and land tenure forms as well as strengthening existing institutions and legislation, among others, in a bid to achieve a sustainable city.

KEYWORDS:

• Jubilee fields
• land conflicts
• immigration
• oil city
• Ghana

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the chiefs and people of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis for their hospitality, support and cooperation during this study. We are also grateful to the reviewers for their revision and contributions toward improving this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.