Ghana - Community Based Rural Development Project : environmental and social management framework

The objective of the proposed Community Based Rural Development Project (CBRDP) is to raise the incomes and the quality of life of beneficiaries by improving their productive assets, rural infrastructure and access to key support services from both private and public sources. Some of the potential adverse environmental impacts are as follows: (a) relocation or loss of shelter; (b) loss of assets or access to assets; and (c) loss of income sources or means of livelihood. The resettlement policy applies to all displaced persons regardless of the total number affected, the severity of the impact and whether or not they have legal title to the land. Particular attention should be paid to the needs of vulnerable groups among those displaced. The policy also requires that the implementation of the resettlement plans are a pre-requisite for the implementation of the sub-projects to ensure that displacement or restriction of access does not occur before necessary measures for resettlement and compensation are in place. For sub-projects involving land acquisition, it is further required that these measures include provision of compensation and of other assistance required for relocation, prior to displacement, and preparation and provision of resettlement sites with adequate facilities. Where required. In particular, the taking of land and related assets may take place only after compensation has been paid and, where applicable, resettlement sites, new homes, related infrastructure and moving allowances have been provided to displaced persons. For sub-projects requiring relocation or loss of shelter, the policy further requires that measures to assist the displaced persons are implemented in accordance with the sub-projects resettlement plan of action.