Dokokyina Resettlement

The mandate of Bui Power Authority (BPA) is to plan, execute and manage the Bui Hydroelectric Project, including ensuring the smooth resettlement of 1,216 affected people.

The development of the Bui Hydroelectric Project will involve the inundation of over 440 km² of land, at the full supply level of the reservoir. The area of permanent inundation includes six villages.

Dokokyina is a community which will not be completely inundated.  The community however will be surrounded on three sides by the reservoir (ie on the south, east and west). Furthermore, large parts of their land, which is used for cultivation, grazing, hunting and collection of forest products, will also be submerged.

An additional problem that is foreseen to arise after the lake is formed is access to the rest of Ghana by the community; they would either need marine vessels to ferry them very long distances over the lake or alternatively probably go through La Cote D’Ivoire if they want to use dry land to access Ghana. In view of the above problems, it has been recommended by knowledgeable experts that the residents of Dokokyina need to be relocated.

The moral and legal obligation of BPA is to provide for the resettlement of all persons affected to the extent indicated above. Accordingly, BPA is constructing a new resettlement township for this purpose.  It is intended that each affected household currently living in a 2-room house would be provided with a replacement house (in the resettlement township) comprising 2-bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom and toilet. 

Upon completion of construction, each household will be presented with the keys to its replacement house.  The BPA will also make trucks available to aid the relocation of all residents who wish to be assisted with transportation. 

It is evident that some households or individuals in Dokokyina are unwilling to relocate. BPA is therefore doing its best to understand and find a workable resolution to the underlying concerns.  It is also understood that there may be chieftaincy issues or factions within the community.  These however do not diminish the responsibility of BPA to provide for the resettlement of all as indicated earlier.

In summary, provision is being made for resettling ALL members of the community.  The river impoundment is scheduled to commence in the 1st quarter of 2011 and permanent inundation is expected to begin in the following rainy season. BPA therefore strongly encourages all residents to accept the proposed resettlement but BPA would not forcibly eject anyone.

BPA is nevertheless hopeful that discussions would continue towards ensuring that all residents of Dokokyina agree to be resettled.