We have fears: Farmers’ eviction concerns of tema motorway expansion, Ghana

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the concerns of the numerous vegetable farmers whose farms are likely to be wiped out along one of Ghana’s most popular roads, the Tema Motorway, if it is widened to ease the growing traffic in the rapidly urbanizing city of Accra. We employed a qualitative research design to examine the possible effects on the livelihoods of 30 farmers along the stretch. We found that the pending expansion project has brought several fears in the form of loss of livelihood and income through the possible destruction of crops and loss of land, to the farmers. We realized the idea of having no knowledge of compensation package to cushion them after they are evicted from their main source of livelihood worsens their fears. We recommend a well-structured compensation package in the form of psychological, alternative livelihood and financial support be given to them to reduce their fears.