ministry of food and agriculture...sal consult ltd gcap - mofa final esis. esia of the...
TRANSCRIPT
MINISTRY OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
GHANA COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
PROJECT (GCAP)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT (ESIA) OF THE REHABILITATION
AND MODERNISATION OF THE KPONG LEFT
BANK IRRIGATION PROJECT (KLBIP)
FINAL REPORT
Prepared by:
SAL Consult Limited, P O Box GP20200, Accra
January, 2018
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page i January 2018.
ESIA PROJECT TEAM
No. Name Position Qualification Responsibility/ Contribution to Report
1. Seth A. Larmie Chief Consultant,
Team Leader
MSc (Applied Science), VUB Brussels
-Quality Assurance
2. Emmanuel K. Acquah
Principal Consultant, Environmental Assessment Expert
MSc (Environmental Policy and Management), University of Hull, UK
BSc & PgD (Mining Engineering), UMaT, Tarkwa
-Review of project designs and relevant policies and regulations
-Impact analysis
-Consultations
-Drafting of Scoping Report
3. Nana Yaw Otu-Ansah
Senior Consultant
Environmental Scientist
MPhil (Environmental Science) University of Ghana, Legon
BSc (Hons) Chemistry, KNUST-Kumasi
-Consultations
-Environmental media monitoring for the detailed ESIA Study
4. Dr. James Adomako
Associate Consultant, Terrestrial Ecologist
Ph.D. (Ecology), University of Ghana, Legon
-Flora/Fauna Terms of Reference for the Scoping Report
Detailed ESIA Study
Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Study
5. Prof. Francis K. E. Nunoo
Associate Consultant, Aquatic Biologist
Ph.D. (Fisheries Science), University of Ghana
-Terms of Reference for the aquatic life study
Detailed ESIA Study
Aquatic life study of the Volta River at the project area
6. Mrs Olivia Ahlijah
Associate Consultant
Social Scientist
MPhil (Social Anthropology) University of Oslo
B. A (Hons) (Social Anthropology), University of Oslo.
Detailed ESIA Study
-Consultations with farmers
-Socio-economic and cultural surveys
7. Stephen Doso
Jnr Consultant, Environmental Scientist
MSc (Sustainable
Environmental
Management), University of
Greenwich, UK
-Stakeholder Consultations
-Socioeconomic and environmental baseline studies
-Drafting of ESIS
8. Ewuresi B.
Asmah
Assistant Consultant,
Environmental Scientist
MSc (Environmental
Monitoring and
Management). University of
Nottingham, UK.
-Surface and groundwater
sampling
-Stakeholder Consultations
Address: P.O. Box GP20200, Accra-Ghana/ Plot No. 80 Osekere Street (formerly 2nd Osu-Badu
Street), off Osu-Badu Avenue, West Airport, Accra
Telephone: +233 302 772 379/ +233 302 782611 Email: [email protected] /[email protected]
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page ii January 2018.
TABLE OF CONTENT
ESIA PROJECT TEAM ............................................................................................................................................... I
TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................................................................. II
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................................... V
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................................... V
LIST OF PLATES..................................................................................................................................................... VI
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................... VII
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... VIII
1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PURPOSE/AIM OF THE ESIA STUDY ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE ESIA STUDY ................................................................................................................. 3 1.4 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY FOR THE ESIA STUDY ........................................................................................... 4
1.4.1 Desktop Study and Literature Reviews.................................................................................................... 4 1.4.2 Participation in project technical meetings to appreciate ongoing design issues and concerns ............ 5 1.4.3 Field visits and site inspections ............................................................................................................... 5 1.4.4 Stakeholder Identification and Consultations ......................................................................................... 5 1.4.5 Data collation, Analysis and Reporting ................................................................................................... 6
2.0 RELEVANT POLICIES, LAWS AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 8
2.1 KEY POLICIES, LAWS AND INSTITUTIONS ................................................................................................................ 8 2.2 RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GUIDELINES ............................................................................................... 22 2.3 RELEVANT LEGAL APPROVALS - PERMIT/LICENCES/CERTIFICATES ............................................................................ 22 2.4 RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL SAFEGUARD POLICIES- WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIES ............................................... 23
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ................................................................................................................ 26
3.1 PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................................................................ 26 3.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................... 26 3.3 EXISTING STATE OF THE KLBIP ......................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.1 MIDA Funded Gravity Irrigation System – Torgome Irrigation Scheme ................................................ 28 3.3.2 The Kpong Piped Irrigation Water Supply (KPIWS) ............................................................................... 29
3.4 THE NEW SCHEME FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES UNDER THE GCAP INTERVENTION ....................................................... 30 3.4.1 Project Design ....................................................................................................................................... 31 3.4.2 Modernization of Irrigation Scheme ..................................................................................................... 31 3.4.3 Instrumentation for Modernization of Irrigation Scheme ..................................................................... 32 3.4.4 Rehabilitation and Improvement of Existing Scheme ........................................................................... 32 3.4.5 Extension of Irrigation Scheme ............................................................................................................. 33 3.4.6 Operation of the Irrigation Scheme ...................................................................................................... 35 3.4.7 Drainage Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 36 3.4.8 Land Development Works ..................................................................................................................... 36 3.4.9 Road Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................... 36 3.4.10 Ancillary Infrastructure and Miscellaneous Works ........................................................................... 37 3.4.11 Estimates of Construction Material and Sourcing ............................................................................ 37 3.4.12 Management of Excess Construction Material and Unused Excavated Soils ................................... 40 3.4.13 Construction Camp and Yard ............................................................................................................ 41 3.4.14 Incorporation of Project Affected Communities ............................................................................... 41 3.4.15 Water Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 45 3.4.16 Land Development and Crop Cultivation .......................................................................................... 45
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page iii January 2018.
3.5 SCHEME MANAGEMENT AND BENEFICIARIES ....................................................................................................... 50 3.5.1 Scheme Management and Organizational Structure ........................................................................... 50 3.5.2 Project Beneficiaries .............................................................................................................................. 53
3.6 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................... 53 3.7 ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 53
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................... 60
4.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................. 60 4.1.1 Location of district and relevant sections of the Volta River................................................................. 60 4.1.2 Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................................... 62 4.1.3 Climate Change and Agriculture in the Volta Basin .............................................................................. 64 4.1.4 Topography and Relief .......................................................................................................................... 65 4.1.5 Soils ....................................................................................................................................................... 65 4.1.6 Water Resources and Drainage ............................................................................................................ 67 4.1.7 Air quality and Noise Level .................................................................................................................... 70 4.1.8 Seismic Activity ..................................................................................................................................... 71
4.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................. 72 4.2.1 Terrestrial Flora..................................................................................................................................... 72 4.2.2 Terrestrial Fauna and Wildlife .............................................................................................................. 75 4.2.3 Aquatic Ecological Studies .................................................................................................................... 76
4.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 79 4.3.1 Demographic Characteristics ................................................................................................................ 79 4.3.2 Education and Literacy .......................................................................................................................... 79 4.3.3 Employment and Economy ................................................................................................................... 80 4.3.4 Agriculture ............................................................................................................................................ 81 4.3.5 Water Supply and Sanitation ................................................................................................................ 82 4.3.6 Health ................................................................................................................................................... 82 4.3.7 Culture, Tourism and Religion ............................................................................................................... 83 4.3.8 Land Tenure and Access to Land ........................................................................................................... 83 4.3.9 Taboos and Culturally Sensitive Areas .................................................................................................. 84
5.0 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ................................................................. 85
5.1 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 85 5.2 IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS .................................................................................................................... 85 5.3 OUTCOME AND EVIDENCE OF CONSULTATIONS .................................................................................................... 87
5.3.1 Overview of the Design Consultants’ Consultations ............................................................................. 87 5.3.2 Overview of SAL Consult Consultations ................................................................................................. 89 5.3.3 Further Consultations with Nakpoe Community after Revised EIS ....................................................... 94
5.4 KEY CONCERNS FROM STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS .......................................................................................... 95 5.4.1 Job opportunities for local communities ............................................................................................... 95 5.4.2 Plot allocation ....................................................................................................................................... 95 5.4.3 Safety concerns ..................................................................................................................................... 96 5.4.4 Buffer zone around communities .......................................................................................................... 96 5.4.5 Rehabilitation of roads ......................................................................................................................... 96 5.4.6 Preservation of Cultural Sites ................................................................................................................ 96
5.5 SCOPING NOTICE PUBLICATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................... 96
6.0 IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION AND SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................................................ 97
6.1 PROJECT AREA OF INFLUENCE ........................................................................................................................... 97 6.1.1 Geographical Area of Influence ............................................................................................................ 97 6.1.2 Environmental Media of Influence ........................................................................................................ 97 6.1.3 Socio-economic Influence of the Project ............................................................................................... 97 6.1.4 Community Influence and Vulnerable Groups ...................................................................................... 97
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page iv January 2018.
6.1.5 Institutional Influence ........................................................................................................................... 99 6.2 PROJECT ACTIVITIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONCERN ............................................................................ 99
6.2.1 Preparatory Phase Activities ................................................................................................................. 99 6.2.2 Constructional Phase Activities ........................................................................................................... 100 6.2.3 Agricultural Development and Operations Phase Activities ............................................................... 101
6.3 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE DETERMINATION ........................................................................................................... 101 6.4 EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL POSITIVE IMPACTS .................................................................................................. 102 6.5 EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH PREPARATORY PHASE ACTIVITIES ............................ 105 6.6 EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE CONSTRUCTIONAL PHASE IMPACTS ............................................................... 106 6.7 EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS PHASE IMPACTS .................................................. 111
7.0 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES ...................................................................................... 119
7.1 TYPE OF MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................................................................... 119 7.1.1 Preventive Measures ........................................................................................................................... 119 7.1.2 Control Measures ................................................................................................................................ 119 7.1.3 Compensatory Measures .................................................................................................................... 119
7.2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS ................................................................................... 120 7.3 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS ............................................................... 120
8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN ............................................................................. 135
9.0 PROVISIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .................................................... 145
9.1 PROGRAMME TO MEET REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 145 9.1.1 Adoption of Environmental, Health and Safety Policies and Operational Procedures ........................ 145 9.1.2 Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) Management Structuring ................................... 145 9.1.3 Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee ........................................................................ 148 9.1.4 Farmers/Workers Information and Training ....................................................................................... 148 9.1.5 Environmental and Social Monitoring Programmes ........................................................................... 149 9.1.6 Audits and Reviews ............................................................................................................................. 149
9.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .................................................................................................................................. 149 9.3 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM .................................................................................................................. 149 9.4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT BUDGET ....................................................................................... 151
10.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES .................................................................................................. 152
10.1 FIRE EMERGENCY ......................................................................................................................................... 152 10.2 MEDICAL OR ACCIDENT ................................................................................................................................. 153 10.3 AGROCHEMICAL SPILL ................................................................................................................................... 153 10.4 OIL SPILL .................................................................................................................................................... 154 10.5 FLOODING .................................................................................................................................................. 154
11.0 DECOMMISSIONG ................................................................................................................................. 156
11.1 DECOMMISSIONING PLAN .............................................................................................................................. 156 11.2 POTENTIAL DECOMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................... 156
11.2.1 Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................................................... 156 11.2.2 Evacuation of Farmers and Workers .............................................................................................. 156 11.2.3 Removal of Moveable Property ...................................................................................................... 156 11.2.4 Transfer of ownership of Non-moveable Property ......................................................................... 156 11.2.5 Waste Management ....................................................................................................................... 157 11.2.6 Site Restoration/Rehabilitation ...................................................................................................... 157
12.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 158
13.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................................................... 159
ANNEXES ........................................................................................................................................................... 161
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page v January 2018.
ANNEX 1A EPA RESPONSE TO THE PROJECT REGISTRATION ............................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 1B EPA RESPONSE TO SCOPING ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 1C EPA AND GCAP/WORLD BANK COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT AND REVISED ESIA AND RESPONSES ERROR! BOOKMARK
NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 2 COPY OF THE SCOPING NOTICE PUBLICATION ..................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 3 WATER QUALITY RESULTS BY WAPCOS ........................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 4 EVIDENCE OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS BY WAPCOS .................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 5 EVIDENCE OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS BY SAL CONSULT LIMITED ................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 6 EXTRACTS OF EPA’S REVISED REGISTER OF APPROVED AND BANNED AGROCHEMICALS (DECEMBER, 2015) ........ ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 7 WHO RECOMMENDED CLASSIFICATION OF PESTICIDES BY HAZARD CLASSES – CLASS 1A, CLASS 1B AND CLASS II. ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 8 ANNEXES A AND B OF STOCKHOLM CONVENTION................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 9 MAJOR PARAMETERS FOR SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING........................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 10 AIR AND NOISE LEVEL FROM A TYPICAL RICE MILL ........................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 11 RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY GUIDELINES ......................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ANNEX 12: METHODOLOGY FOR AQUATIC BIOLOGICAL STUDIES .............................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1-1: LOCATION MAP OF THE SELECTED FOUR PUBLIC IRRIGATION SCHEMES FOR REHABILITATION ............................................ 2 FIGURE 3-1: MAP SHOWING THE PROPOSED LAYOUT KPONG LEFT BANK IRRIGATION PROJECT AREA AND PROPOSED IRRIGATION BLOCKS
........................................................................................................................................................................... 27 FIGURE 3-2: LOCATION OF POTENTIAL SOURCES OF MATERIALS................................................................................................. 38 FIGURE 3-3: LOCATION OF NAKPOE COMMUNITY SHOWING THE BUFFER AREA AROUND THE COMMUNITY AND NEARBY IRRIGATION BLOCKS
........................................................................................................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 3-4: LOCATION OF THE NEW GBLORNU D/A PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING AND NEAREST IRRIGATION BLOCKS .......................... 44 FIGURE 3-5: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF PROPOSED SCHEME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SOURCE: WAPCOS 2017) .......................... 52 FIGURE 4-1: NORTH TONGU DISTRICT MAP SHOWING KEY PROJECT TOWN AND BORDERING DISTRICTS AND VOLTA RIVER) .................. 61 FIGURE 4-2: AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL DATA AT THE AKUSE SYNOPTIC STATION ..................................................................... 62 FIGURE 4-3: DISTRIBUTION OF WIND SPEED AND DIRECTION AT THE AKUSE SYNOPTIC STATION (2006 -2015) ................................. 63 FIGURE 4-4: VARIATION IN MEAN MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AT THE AKUSE SYNOPTIC STATION ....................................................... 64 FIGURE 4-5: VARIATION IN MEAN MONTHLY RELATIVE HUMIDITY .............................................................................................. 64 FIGURE 4-6: SEISMIC ZONING MAP OF SOUTHERN GHANA ....................................................................................................... 71 FIGURE 6-1: LOCATION OF COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA (ADAPTED FROM THE PROPOSED LAYOUT MAP FOR SCHEME,
WAPCOS LIMITED) ................................................................................................................................................ 98 FIGURE 9-1: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR EHSS MANAGEMENT OF KLBIP ...................................................................... 146
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1-1: SELECTED IRRIGATION SCHEMES FOR REHABILITATION UNDER GCAP........................................................................... 1 TABLE 2-1: SUMMARY OF KEY POLICIES, LAWS AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................... 9 TABLE 2-2: KEY REGULATORY APPROVALS ............................................................................................................................ 22 TABLE 2-3: SUMMARY OF WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIES AND ITS RELATION TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT ................................. 24 TABLE 3-1: EXISTING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE AT KLBIP-TORGOME IRRIGATION SYSTEM ................................. 28 TABLE 3-2: EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AT KPIWS ................................................................................................................ 30 TABLE 3-3: SUMMARY OF KLBIP CANAL SYSTEM DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 34 TABLE 3-4: ROAD NETWORK DETAILS ................................................................................................................................. 37 TABLE 3-5: EXISTING AND PROPOSED BORROW AREAS (FOR BORROWING MATERIALS FOR KLBIP EARTHWORKS) .............................. 39 TABLE 3-6: STONE QUARRIES (FOR IMPORTING STONES AND BOULDERS) .................................................................................... 39 TABLE 3-7: CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL ESTIMATES ................................................................................................................ 39
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page vi January 2018.
TABLE 3-8: USED AND OPEN BORROW PITS (FOR BACKFILLING WITH EXCESS/UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FOR KLBIP WORKS) ..................... 40 TABLE 3-9: WATER BALANCE OF KLBIP ............................................................................................................................... 45 TABLE 3-10: CROP-SOIL SUITABILITY EVALUATION RESULTS .................................................................................................... 46 TABLE 3-11: PROPOSED CROPPING PATTERN ....................................................................................................................... 46 TABLE 3-12: PROPOSED CROP CALENDAR ............................................................................................................................ 47 TABLE 3-13: PROPOSED LAND USE PLAN .............................................................................................................................. 48 TABLE 3-14: PROPOSED CROP ROTATION SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 49 TABLE 3-15: ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE PROJECT OPTIONS ...................................................................................................... 55 TABLE 3-16: ANALYSIS OF SUB- ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................................................... 58 TABLE 4-1: AREAL EXTENT OF SOIL SERIES IN THE PROJECT AREA (SOURCE: WAPCOS, 2016B) .................................................... 65 TABLE 4-2: RESULTS OF WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................ 69 TABLE 4-3: RESULTS OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING CONDUCTED AT GR MAWUKO FARMS LTD’S PROJECT SITE IN MARCH, 2016. ........ 70 TABLE 4-4: RESULTS OF NOISE LEVEL MONITORING CONDUCTED AT GR MAWUKO FARMS LTD’S PROJECT SITE IN MARCH 2016 ........... 70 TABLE 4-5: DETAILS OF FLORA AT THE KLBIP SITE .................................................................................................................. 74 TABLE 4-6: COMMON FAUNA AT THE PROJECT SITE ............................................................................................................... 75 TABLE 4-7: COMPOSITION OF THE CATCH AND ASSOCIATED FISH SIZES ....................................................................................... 78 TABLE 4-8: POPULATION DISTRIBUTION IN THE PROJECT AREA .................................................................................................. 79 TABLE 4-9: SCHOOLS (PRIMARY & JHS) IN THE PROJECT AREA ................................................................................................ 80 TABLE 4-10: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OCCUPATIONS IN THE PROJECT AREA ............................................................................ 81 TABLE 4-11: TABOOS AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE AREAS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA .................................................................. 84 TABLE 5-1: SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION OUTCOMES BY THE DESIGN CONSULTANTS IN 2016 ....................................................... 87 TABLE 5-2: SUMMARY OF CONCERNS/ISSUES RAISED BY STAKEHOLDERS FROM SAL CONSULT ENGAGEMENT ............................... 90 TABLE 5-3: RELEVANT SECTIONS OF CONSULTATIONS ON THE ANYAKO FARM PROJECT, WHICH IS WITHIN THE KLBIP AREA .................. 91 TABLE 6-1: EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL POSITIVE IMPACTS. ................................................................................................... 102 TABLE 6-2: EVALUATION OF ADVERSE PREPARATORY PHASE IMPACTS....................................................................................... 105 TABLE 6-3: EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE CONSTRUCTIONAL PHASE IMPACTS .................................................................. 106 TABLE 6-4: EVALUATION OF ADVERSE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS PHASE IMPACTS. ........................................ 112 TABLE 7-1: MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES FOR THE IDENTIFIED SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ............................................. 121 TABLE 8-1: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN .............................................................................................. 136 TABLE 9-1: KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE EHSSO, EHSRS, EHSOS AND SECURITY COORDINATOR ....................................................... 147
LIST OF PLATES
PLATE 4-1: ECOLOGIST CONDUCTING FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY AT THE KLBIP SITE .................................................................... 72 PLATE 4-2: TYPICAL GRASSLAND VEGETATION AT THE KLBIP SITE .............................................................................................. 73 PLATE 4-3: TYPICAL VEGETATION ALONG STREAMS AT THE PROJECT SITE ..................................................................................... 73 PLATE 4-4: OPEN WATER OF ALABO RIVER AND ITS BANKS FRINGED WITH AQUATIC VEGETATION .................................................... 76 PLATE 4-5: WATER HYACINTH EICHHORNIA SP IN THE WATER FOLLOWED LANDWARDS BY TYPHA DOMINENGENSIS AND OTHER AQUATIC
VEGETATION AT THE BANKS OF THE RIVER. .................................................................................................................... 76 PLATE 4-6: SET OF HOOK AND LINE FISHING GEAR READY FOR FISHING .................................................................................. 77 PLATE 4-7: DIVERSE FISH SPECIES CAUGHT DURING EXPERIMENTAL FISHING ................................................................................ 77 PLATE 4-8: CATCH OF A FISHERMAN, DOMINATED BY MUGIL SP., AFTER 12 HOURS OF FISHING EFFORT ........................................... 78 PLATE 5-1: FURTHER CONSULTATIONS WITH THE NAKPOE COMMUNITY ..................................................................................... 94 PLATE 5-2: EXISTING WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT NAKPOE ................................................................................................... 95
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page vii January 2018.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CSIR Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
DA District Assembly
DEMC District Environmental Management Committee
DWQG Drinking Water Quality Guidelines
EA Environmental Assessment
EAR Environmental Assessment Regulation
EHSR Environmental, Health and Safety Representative
EHSO Environmental, Health and Safety Officer
EHSSO Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Officer
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FASDEP Food and Agriculture Sector Development Plan
GCAP Ghana Commercial Agricultural Project
GIDA Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
GNFS Ghana National Fire Service
GRWQG Ghana Raw Water Quality Guidelines
ISC Irrigation Service Charges
KLBIP Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project
LAC Land Allocation Committee
LI Legislative Instrument
METASIP Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan
MMDA Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly
MOFA Ministry of Food and Agriculture
OP Operational Procedures
PESMP Preliminary Environmental and Social Management Plan
PHC Population and Housing Census
PNDC Provisional National Defence Council
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PSE Product and Service Enterprise
SGB Stakeholder Governing Board
SME Scheme Management Entity
TCPD Town and Country Planning Department
WB World Bank
WHO World Health Organization
WRC Water Resources Commission
WRI Water Research Institute
WUA Water User Association
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page viii January 2018.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Background
As part of the ‘Investments in physical rehabilitation and modernization of existing public irrigation and
drainage infrastructure’ component of the project, the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) in
consultation with Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) has selected four (4) public irrigation
schemes for rehabilitation and modernization.
GCAP has commissioned WAPCOS Limited (India) in association with Agrartec Services Limited (Ghana) to
provide consultancy services to review and update the feasibility studies, and provide designs for the
rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP) infrastructure as well
as supervise the completion of the KLBIP. The existing infrastructure in the area developed under the
gravity system is about 500 ha, and the proposed extension of the irrigation facilities is to cover additional
1500 ha area.
Existing State of KLBIP
The KLBIP has two components: (i) the Main Works of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (Torgome
Irrigation Scheme) and the Additional Works of the Kpong Piped Irrigation Water Supply (KPIWS). The
Torgome Irrigation Scheme is about 500 ha out of a potential 2000 ha of the main KLBIP that was funded
under the MCA by MIDA. It is a gravity fed irrigation system and consists of a supply canal (3.5 km) lined
with geo-cells filled with concrete which branches into two main canals namely Main Canal-1 (3.368 km)
and Main Canal-2 (4.431 km) also lined with geo-cells and filled with concrete. Secondary (9.725km) and
tertiary (14.426km) canals are unlined earth canals. The earthen canals are silted up, eroded and
overgrown with weeds. The Command Area of the scheme is not developed at all and is not being used
for farming. The drains of the scheme are silted up, vegetated and in poor condition. The existing road
network has very poor shape and section, and sections become impassable for vehicles during the rainy
season.
The New Scheme Facilities and Activities under the GCAP Intervention
The current GCAP/GIDA works on the scheme aim to rehabilitate, modernize and expand the project by
additional 1500 ha, thereby bringing the total irrigable area to the scheme’s potential 2000 ha. The main
components of the project are:
Rehabilitation and improvement of existing canal networks;
Construction of new canal networks in extension area. Main Canals 1 and 2 extended by 11.04km and
5.26km respectively;
Procurement and installation of instrumentation for automated canal operation and control;
Procurement and installation of instrumentation for automated water measurement and billing;
Construction of a new drainage system for the project area including flood protection works;
On-farm development works including clearing, land levelling and grading of fields;
Construction and Improvement of access roads (185km) within the project area (as laterite roads);
Construction of ancillary infrastructure such as drying floors, warehouses and packing sheds.
There are existing borrow pits and gravel pits located close to the project area from which material may
be sourced for construction works. These pits were created during the construction of the existing canals.
New borrow areas have also been identified for borrowing of material. In addition, stone quarries from
which additional materials may be sourced, particularly stones and boulders, have been identified. These
quarries are located near the Akuse-Somanya and Tema-Akosombo road junction, and along the Tema-
Akosombo highway at Shai Hills. Excess material from construction works and unused excavated material,
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page ix January 2018.
which is estimated to be 262,588m3, may be used for backfilling of existing borrow pits. These borrow
pits are currently filled with water and weeds, and their capacities have been estimated to be enough to
accommodate all excess and unused excavated soil.
Project Implementation Schedule
The construction phase is expected to last for 18 months and will be followed by one-year long defect
liability period. The proposed organisation and management system will be implemented with the help
of project stakeholders, during the initial half (first 6 months) of the defect liability period. Agricultural
development of the project area is expected to commence in Year 3, immediately after completion of
construction works. It is expected that as plots within the scheme are allotted to interested and capable
farmers, the scheme command will be brought under cultivation progressively within a period of about
two years. The presently cultivated area of 500ha will gradually increase to 2000ha as follows: 500ha in
Year 3, 1000ha in Year 4, 1500ha in Year 5 and 2000ha in Year 6.
Alternative Consideration
The alternatives considered/analysed for the proposed project are as follows:
Large scale farming;
Smallholder farming with support from investor;
Combination of large scale and smallholder farming;
Rain-fed irrigation farming;
Pumped or gravity irrigation farming; and
No action.
A combination of large scale and smallholder farming systems will be utilised to bring enhanced benefits
to the neighbouring communities. The provision of support services and transfer of knowledge to
smallholder farmers will increase their agricultural productivity, increase their income levels and improve
their livelihoods. Combination of rain-fed and irrigation will be utilised to ensure all year round cultivation
and reduce production cost associated with full dependence on irrigation.
Stakeholder Consultations
Stakeholder consultations were carried out with key stakeholders to obtain their comments and concerns
on the proposed project with respect to the potential environmental and socio-economic issues and
impacts that have been addressed in the study. The stakeholders consulted comprise:
Project Proponents and Scheme Management Entities
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) Office;
Irrigation Design and Supervision Consultants for the KLBIP, WAPCOS Ltd/Agrartec Services Ltd;
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA); and
Scheme Management Entity for Torgorme Irrigation Project (Post Agric Limited).
Regulatory Agencies
Environmental Protection Agency;
Water Resources Commission;
Lands Commission;
Ghana National Fire Service; and
Factories Inspectorate Department.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page x January 2018.
Other Government institutions
Department of Agriculture, District Office; and
Town and Country Planning Department, District Office.
Local Government /Political Authorities
North Tongu District Assembly, Battor-Dugame; and
Assembly Member- Torgorme
Local communities close to the project site
Torgorme;
Azagonorkope;
Sokope/Nyiflakpo;
Nakpoe;
Alabonu; and
Gblornu/Ziakpoe.
Neighbouring Private Organisations
Vegpro Ghana Ltd; and
Anyako Farms.
Traditional Authorities and Neighbouring Communities
Chiefs and Elders of Torgorme Traditional Council; and
Traditional leaders of the neighbouring local communities.
Farmer Based Organizations
Torgorme Area Cooperative Farmers Union (TACFU);
Afenya Group;
Miator Group;
Dzibgordi Group;
Nenyo Group; and
Veviedodo Group.
A scoping notice has also been published in the Daily Graphic to inform the general public about the
proposed project as required under the procedure for the conduct of ESIA in accordance with Regulations
15 (1) of LI 1652.
Key concerns from Stakeholder Consultations
The key concerns raised by the communities during the consultation include the following:
Safety concerns
Safety concerns were raised on sections of the canals which in the initial project designs were located
close to the communities. The designs have been revised to move those canals further away from the
communities. This was agreed at monthly technical meetings with representatives of the
communities.
Buffer zone around communities
Community members raised concerns on the proximity of the plots to their communities which could
affect future development and appealed for a buffer area between the communities and the plots.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xi January 2018.
The project designs have been revised and the irrigation block boundary set at a distance of 25 meters
(i.e within the prescribed National Riparian Buffer Policy of 10 to 60 meters) from the community
boundary as agreed at the monthly technical meetings with the representatives of the project
affected communities.
Preservation of cultural sites
Concerns were raised with regards to the potential infringement of the proposed project on cultural
resources such as cemeteries, sacred groves and shrines in the Sokope, Nyiflakpo, Nakpoe, Alabonu
and Gblornu communities. All cultural sites within Sokope, Nyiflakpo, Alabonu and Gblornu are within
community boundaries and not affected by the project. The sacred grove, woodlot and cemetery for
the Nakpoe community which are located outside the community boundary and buffer area have
been conserved.
Potential Environmental and Social Impact Identification and Evaluation
The potential positive and adverse environmental and social impacts of the proposed rehabilitation and
modernisation of the KLBIP are discussed below:
Potential Positive Impacts
Employment generation: The proposed project will result in the engagement of skilled and unskilled labour for both the planning and implementation periods.
At the feasibility stage, the project has professionals for a range of services including baseline studies and environmental assessments. It is estimated that not less than 22 key staff will be deployed by the contractor on full time basis for the construction period of 18 months. Additionally, more than 600 temporary staff including truck drivers and their assistants as well as labourers mainly from the project fringe communities will be engaged. The operational phase of the project will provide employment for the scheme management staff, smallholder farmers who will be allocated lands for farming at the project site and workers who will be engaged by the medium and large scale enterprises such as Anyako Farms Limited and Vegpro.
The project will therefore have a major positive impact on the socioeconomic conditions of the local communities in the project area (Torgome, Alabornu, Azagonorkope, Nyiflakpoe, Nakpoe, Sokope, and Gblornu/Ziakpoe) and the North Tongu District as a whole through the creation of permanent and temporary direct jobs as well as indirect jobs.
Improved crop productivity of farmers: The provision of services for participating farmers such as land
preparation, fertilizers, improved seeds, etc. will boost crop productivity on farms. Irrigation services will
enable farmers to plant all year round and avoid losses during periods of low rain fall and drought.
Capacity building for farmers and transfer of knowledge will help them better manage their farms and
boost productivity. The proposed project is therefore expected to have a major positive impact on the
crop productivity of the participating farmers.
Enhanced income and livelihoods of farmers: Job creation during the construction phase and subsequent
engagement of residents of fringe communities and others as farmers on the scheme will contribute to
increasing their income levels and improve their livelihood situation. Also, the anticipated increment in
crop productivity and production when the rehabilitated and modernized irrigation scheme is fully
operational will also contribute to increasing income and improving the livelihood of beneficiaries.
Increased food production and food security in the district and the country at large: Currently,
approximately 500ha of land developed under the KLBIP is seldom used for production because of the
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xii January 2018.
dilapidated state of the existing irrigation network. The proposed rehabilitation and modernization works
will rehabilitate the existing irrigation network, improve land development of the 500ha and bring
additional 1500ha into production. The improved methods of crop production, irrigation and use of high
quality and improved seed varieties will increase food production in the project area and the country as
a whole. It is also expected that the improved access roads, transport and storage facilities will
significantly reduce post-harvest losses of farmers on the project. The impact will be major and of regional
extent. Improvement in the revenue base of key institutions and regulatory bodies: Revenue will accrue to
traditional authorities and regulatory institutions through the payment of royalties and regulatory fees
and levies.
Improvement in local and national economy: The jobs that will be created by the scheme, together with
improved road access and increase in crop production, productivity, income and improvement in
livelihood among beneficiary farmers will substantially contribute to improving the local and national
economy. As production increases on the scheme, it is expected that new businesses along the value
addition chains will emerge which can substantially contribute to a vibrant local economy. On the national
front, the expected increment in rice production and productivity can contribute to reducing the nation’s
rice importation bill.
Increased climate change adaptation: The proposed project will enable farmers adapt to the effects of
climate change as it is a more resilient option compared to rain-fed agriculture due to the availability of
water all year round for farming.
Potential Adverse Impacts
Preparatory Phase:
The only major potential impact at the project preparatory phase is the likelihood of conflict arising from
land allotment and land use right. Lands hitherto lying idle will now trigger interest from different
stakeholders which could potentially delay the project if not well managed. Livestock owners exist in
almost all the fringe communities and they will be concerned about the potential loss of grazing fields
while women deriving alternative livelihood from the pottery industry may be concerned about potential
loss of raw materials (i.e. clay and fuel wood) currently obtained from the site.
Constructional Phase:
Loss of vegetation and impacts on flora and fauna: Canal extension and development of the additional
1,500 ha will involve clearing of vegetation and potential disturbance and/or loss of fauna at the project
site. Vegetation to be lost are common in the project area and do not involve species of conservation
value. Disturbed fauna can migrate to nearby bushes and the forest reserve.
Soil impacts and sediment transport: Excavation, vegetation clearance, levelling and other land
preparation works and opening of access roads will expose and loosen the soil making it susceptible to
erosion and subsequent loss of top soil. There is also the potential for compaction of soil from the use of
heavy machinery as well as contamination of soil from fuels, oils and waste. Transported soil sediments
by air and water may end up in nearby waterbodies (Volta River, Nyifla and Gblor streams and Nyifla
Lake).
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xiii January 2018.
Air quality deterioration: Loosen and exposed soils from land preparation works and movement of
vehicles/trucks (including haulage trucks) to and from the project site on untarred road surfaces may
result in the increase of airborne particulates affecting the air quality. No permanent air emission sources
will be created by the project implementation.
Vibration and noise nuisance: The likely sources of noise during the constructional phase will be through
the movement and operation of machines, trucks and equipment. The movement of haulage trucks from
quarry sites through Doryumu and Asutuare junctions, Okwenya and Akuse may increase noise levels
intermittently in those communities. Noise levels from the movement of vehicles over access roads,
measured at a distance of 10 m, typically range between 77dBA and 83 dBA (BS 5228-1:2009). This is
expected to further reduce by 6dBA at distance of about 20m. Project communities such as Azagonokope,
Sokope, Nakpoe and Gblornu may also experience temporary increase in noise and vibration levels from
construction activities.
Generation and disposal of solid waste: Vegetative material and desilted and excavated soils which are
unsuitable for reuse for canal and road works will form the bulk of waste generated. Servicing and
maintenance of machinery and equipment and installation works may generate waste such as scrap
metal, empty lubricant containers, rubber seals, etc. Also, packaging materials, wrappers, used polythene
bags, food wastes, used water sachets and bottles, etc. will be generated from use by construction
workers.
Occupational health & safety: Occupational health and safety issues associated with the proposed
project construction include workers exposure to noise, dust and vibrations. There is a high risk of
accidents and injury from the use of machinery and equipment, materials management at the
construction yards, including accidents from poorly managed workspace and fire from fuel storage
facilities.
Public safety: The movement of haulage trucks to and from the quarry sites to the project site will pose
safety risks to the several townships along N2 (including Doryumu junction, Asutuare junction, Okwenya,
Akuse, Kpong and Atimpoku) where speed limit of 50 km/h is enforced. The project communities may
also be at risk from the movement of trucks/vehicles and other machinery, as well as from borrow pits
and unsecured excavations such as the canals, laterals and drains, if adequate measures are not put in
place to restrict movement to these areas. This is particularly critical for children in the project
communities and those along the haulage road. This impact is temporary, lasting during the
constructional phase.
Road impacts & traffic issues: The road from the quarry sites at Shai Hills to Juapong (N2) is an asphalt
road and in good condition to contain the movement of the haulage trucks. However sections of the
access road leading to the project site, is in a bad state and may be worsened by the frequent movement
of haulage trucks transporting stones and boulders to the project site. The section of the N2 highway from
the quarry sites at Shai Hills to Atimpoku is a low traffic volume road with average daily traffic of 3,968
and 4,540 (JICA, 2013) at Astsuare junction and Atimpoku respectively.
It is expected that 70,952 m3 of material will be sourced (imported) from gravel pits or stone quarries
around Shai Hills. This translates to 3,548 truckloads or less than 20 trucks per day (inbound and
outbound) using 20 m3 capacity trucks for the 18-month construction phase (assuming 250 working days
in a year). The increased traffic though significant is not expected to hinder road traffic on the road. The
road to the project site has low traffic volume, which is typical of rural setting and can accommodate the
movement of haulage trucks to the project site. It must however be noted that all materials for filling will
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xiv January 2018.
be obtained in-situ and from nearby borrow pits while stone aggregates for concrete works will however
be transported from the quarry sites at Shai Hills.
Influx of workers and migrants: Construction activities may result in the movement of workers to the
project area and people from other communities in search of job opportunities. The migrants may not
conform to the societal norms and cultural practices and may upset the social structure of these
communities.
The influx of people during the construction period may promote irresponsible sexual behaviour. This
could possibly lead to HIV/AIDS and other STD infections. Irresponsible sexual behaviour could also result
in teenage pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies. The impact may be permanent or irreversible in
nature.
Obstruction of access ways to communities: The road network along the existing canals serve as access
roads to some of the communities in the project area, such as Klamadaboe, Nakpoe, Sokope, Gblornu,
Deikope and Kassa. Construction works at the project may render portions of the roads and existing foot
paths inaccessible, temporarily closed or unmotorable during the constructional phase. This may create
inconvenience and increase travel time to and from the affected communities.
Disruption of livelihoods: Crop farming is the main source of livelihood in the project area. Some members
of communities around the project area (Klamadaboe, Nakpoe, Sokope, Gblornu and Azagonorkope)
currently farm at the project site, mainly under rain-fed. Their livelihoods could be impacted if they are
unable to farm on the land and/or do not have alternative lands for farming during the project
construction phase. The impact may be temporary, lasting during the constructional phase, but could
have negative impacts on livelihoods.
Sanitation issues and public health: Poorly managed construction site camps and indiscriminate disposal
of waste will create unsightly conditions. Open defecation may be promoted if adequate toilet facilities
are not provided at camps and the project site during construction. Improperly covered trenches may
result in stagnant water and breed mosquitoes. Faecal matter from open defecation by construction
workers, and transported soil sediments by air and water may end up in nearby waterbodies (Volta River,
Nyifla and Gblor streams and Nyifla Lake), and affect the water quality. The water bodies serve as water
sources for livestock and some project communities (Sokope, Napkoe, Gblornu, Kassa).
Disturbance of culturally sensitive sites: Culturally sensitive sites such as sacred groves, shrines and
cemeteries in the project area (including communities) have been identified through field visits and
consultations with community leaders. These include the a cemetery at Sokope as well as a sacred groove
and cemetery at Nakpoe. These sensitive sites must necessarily be protected and conserved to ensure
peaceful coexistence of the project and the community. These identified sacred places have been
incorporated in the design of the project and will be protected.
Operational Phase
Soil quality degradation: Soil quality degradation may result from continuous and misuse of
agrochemicals such as herbicides and fertilizers which may pollute the soil resulting in the death of useful
soil fauna. For instance, continuous application of ammonium-based inorganic fertilizers may result in soil
acidification. Land preparation, tilling and other physical works may also result in the death of soil fauna
and may loosen and expose soils to water and wind erosion. Soil compaction in areas of the land under
continuous use of heavy machinery may affect soil aeration and plant growth while continuous tilling of
the soil may result in hard pan formation and adversely affect the soil structure.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xv January 2018.
Pollution of water source: Erosion from farmlands may result in the transport of soil sediments and
agrochemical residue into surface water sources (Volta River – downstream of Kpong Dam), Nyifla and
Gblor streams, Alabo River and Nyifla Lake). There is also the possibility of pollution of surface water
sources through the transport of agrochemicals in runoff water and irrigation return water/wastewater.
These may lead to eutrophication of the Nyifla Lake, and also possibly the Gblor, Nyifla and Alabo River.
Communities such as Nakpoe, Deikope, Nyiflapkoe, Nyiflakope and Agyimakope which depend on the
Nyifla lake/stream for water (Refer to Section 4.3.5) will be at risk of any effects on the Nyifla lake/stream.
Communities such as Gblornu, Kasa, Daledokope and Alabonu will also be at risk of any effects on the
Gblor, Nyifla streams as well as the Alabo River. These communities fetch water from the Volta River
downstream of the confluence of the Gblor stream with the Volta River. Fish catch from the Alabo River
could also be at risk of contamination from the farm runoff containing pollutants.
Impacts on grazing land and conflict with cattle herders: Livestock are reared in most of the communities
in the project area. For some of the communities such as Deikope, Nakpoe and Sokope where grazing
animals (goats, sheep, cattle) are reared, the project area is used for grazing of their livestock. Cattle
herders (including Fulani herdsmen) also graze their cattle through the project area. The development of
the 2000ha land into farms will require them to find alternative grazing area for members of the nearby
communities involved in livestock rearing. Conflicts may also arise where livestock from nearby
communities, or grazing cattle (by Fulani herdsmen) move into the project site and feed on crops or
destroy property.
Impacts on secondary livelihoods: Charcoal burning and pottery are important secondary livelihoods for
the communities in the project area (refer to Section 4.3.3). Charcoal burning is done by all the project
communities whiles pottery is done in Napkoe and Sokope. The secondary livelihoods are done to support
incomes from crop farming (primary livelihood), which is currently unsustainable.
The project site serves as an important source of raw materials (fuel wood and clay) for pottery (Napkoe
and Sokope) and charcoal burning (all communities) which are the secondary livelihood activities. Access
to these resources may be limited during the project implementation and have negative effects on the
incomes of community members engaged in charcoal burning and pottery, especially where alternative
sources of raw materials are not available, and crop farming remains unsustainable.
Impacts on Communities within the scheme area: The Napkoe community is engulfed by the scheme
command area, whiles Gblornu, Ziakpoe, Kasa and Abaykope are sandwiched between the scheme
command area and the Volta River. A 25m buffer area between the boundary of the communities and
the scheme command area has been incorporated in the project design following discussions and
agreements reached on the matter during monthly project technical meetings, which involves
representatives from the project communities. Although the entire land area is designated for irrigation
cropping, unplanned expansion of the Nakpoe community may have to be at the expense of land reserved
as safe buffer zone between the community and the irrigation blocks and eventually the land allocated
for farming within the scheme. Gblornu, Ziakpoe, Kasa and Abaykope are located at about 60 meters from
the irrigation blocks but, as with Nakpoe community, unplanned development could also result in
encroachment of lands allocated for the scheme or within the buffer zone of the Volta River. This could
potentially lead to conflicts with the project owners or encroachment to the project site, as well as
destruction of riparian vegetation. The project design also involves 0.5 meter deep open drains associated
with the nearby irrigation blocks. These could also pose risks of falling and injury to the community
members.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xvi January 2018.
Waste generation and disposal: Periodic vegetation removal, occasional de-silted materials from
canals/drains, farm produce waste, used agro-chemical containers, used fertilizer bags etc. are the main
waste to be generated on the farms during the operational phase. Servicing and maintenance of
machinery and equipment may also generate waste such as scrap metal, empty lubricant containers,
lubricants, rubber seals, etc. Domestic/office wastes such as used polythene bags, food wastes, food
wrappers, used water sachets and bottles, office wastes and human wastes will be generated etc. The
impact is local but long-term and will last through the agricultural development and operations phase.
Occupational health & safety: Machine operators will be exposed to noise, dust and vibrations especially
without the use of appropriate PPEs. There is a risk of accidents and injury from the use of machinery and
equipment if safety procedures are not adhered to.
There is a high risk of exposure to agrochemicals through storage, handling, application and disposal of
agrochemicals. The use of appropriate PPEs and adherence to safety and operational procedures will
reduce this impact.
Sanitation issues and public health: Indiscriminate disposal of farm generated waste will create unsightly
conditions and pose serious health risk to the public (especially for used agrochemical containers). Poor
sanitation conditions may pollute nearby water sources (Volta River – downstream of Kpong Dam), Nyifla
and Gblor streams and Nyifla Lake). Bushy areas and stagnant water in improperly covered trenches and
empty containers may breed mosquitoes. There could be an upsurge in water borne diseases such as
malaria and bilharzia due to flooding, waterlogging, and slow flow of water in canals /drains /ponds
/reservoirs which tend to breed mosquitoes and bilharzia vectors. Failure to provide appropriate toilet
facilities at vantage points may encourage open defecation. Impact may occur throughout the duration
of the project if appropriate measures are not put in place.
Fire risks: Farms are highly susceptible to bush fires which could result in death, burns and loss of property
(crops on farm and structures) and investment of the farmers and also adjacent farmers. The fires could
emanate from within the farm (smoking, cooking, uncontrolled burning, etc.) or from outside the farm.
Fires at processing and storage facilities may also emanate from faulty machines, electrical faults,
smoking, etc. and could result in death, burns, damage to machinery, loss of property (including stored
produce) and investment. The losses may be huge if adequate measures are not put in place to prevent
fires or control fires at an early stage.
Pest/rodent infestation and contamination of stored grains: Stored grains are susceptible to attacks
from insects and rodents if the necessary management practices and storage conditions for the produce
are not followed. Improper post-harvest management practices on the farm may introduce insects such
as weevils in the grains prior to storage. Insects and rodents may feed on stored grains, resulting in losses
in quantity and quality of produce and consequently investment losses which could be high.
In addition to feeding on stored grains, rodents may also contaminate stored grains through their
droppings, urine, hairs and may spread human diseases. This could have health implications for the public.
The impact on health could be high and of regional extent.
Post-harvest losses: Post-harvest losses may arise from pest/rodent and disease infestation and improper
storage conditions which reduce the shelf life of produce. Improper storage conditions such as poor
ventilation, poor housekeeping and leakages in the roof may lead to mould development, disease
infestation and increase risk of pest/rodent infestation. Improper drying of grains to reach the
recommended moisture content for storage (13-14%) will reduce the shelf life and make it susceptible to
disease infestation. Mould development, disease infestation and pest/rodent infestation may result in
loss of quantity and quality of produce, reduced germination rate for seed grains, reduced nutritional
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xvii January 2018.
value, loss in market value and investment losses. Any infested produce will be permanently impacted
and the investment losses to farmers could be major.
Sustainability of the irrigation scheme: Failure of the irrigation system and drought resulting in low
volumes of water in the Volta River can impact on the sustainability of the project. Unavailability of ready
market and low prices may affect revenue generation. Pest and disease infestation may also adversely
affect crop productivity. Failure of the storage facilities may also reduce the shelf life of crops and result
in high post-harvest losses.
Emergency situations may arise from various activities within and outside of the farm. For example,
vehicular accidents, bush fires, power failures, etc. may have disastrous consequences if no emergency
response plans are put in place. The losses could be higher and result in joblessness of the farmers if
appropriate measures are not put in place.
Lack of human resource, technical know-how and logistics to implement environmental and social
safeguards could also significantly hamper the successful implementation of the proposed project. The
losses could be higher if appropriate measures are not put in place.
Impact Mitigation and Management Measures
The proposed mitigation measures for the significant adverse impacts (rated as moderate or major)
identified from the analysis and evaluation of the potential impacts from the proposed project are stated
in the table below.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xviii January 2018.
Identified Significant Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Preparatory Phase Impacts
Conflict over land
allotment and land
use rights
Local
communities and
farmers, Cattle
headsmen
The Land Allocation Committee (LAC) will engage and agree with the local communities and traditional authorities on
the criteria and guidelines for land allotment, selection of farmers and land use.
The LAC will reserve portions of lands close to communities for the establishment of fodder banks and woodlots.
The LAC together with the community leaders will also engage livestock owners in the local communities and cattle
herders to agree on alternative arrangements to provide grazing areas for them.
GCAP will ensure all grievances/concerns by local communities, traditional authorities, livestock owners and cattle
herders are discussed and resolved prior to construction works and land allocation. Fora for addressing grievances and
concerns will include monthly project technical meetings which will be held at Torgorme.
Land Allocation
Committee
(LAC)/ GCAP
-
Sub-Total 1 (Preparatory Phase): -
Constructional Phase Impacts
Loss of vegetation and
impacts on flora and
fauna
Flora, fauna, soil The Contractor for the canal construction works will limit vegetation clearance to areas demarcated for the canal
extension works. Vegetation clearance for the rehabilitation works will be limited to weeds in the existing canals and
drains.
The Contractor for the construction works will carry out vegetation clearance in sections and will be limited to portions
of the land to be developed at a particular time. The entire 2000ha land will not be cleared at a time and this will allow
for any fauna to migrate to adjoining bushes.
Total felling will not be done during vegetation clearance. Stands of trees will be left at the boundaries of the farm to
serve as windbreaks.
Agroforestry practices such as windbreaks, boundary planting of trees, riparian buffers, fodder banks and woodlots will
be incorporated into the project.
Any trees removed at the project site will be replanted in 3 folds.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of Bill of
Quantities
(BoQ) for
contractor
Soil impacts and
sediment transport
Soil, water bodies,
air The clearing of vegetation in sections by the contractor(s) will ensure only areas of the land to be developed at a
particular time are exposed to agents of erosion. This will also ensure the cleared areas of the land are not left bare over
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xix January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
long periods as development at the cleared areas will be carried out immediately. This will minimize erosion and
sediment transport from the project site.
The contractor will leave a buffer area of 25 metres width along the banks of the Nyifla, Gblor streams as well as Alabo
and Volta river, which is within the range (10 to 60 meters) prescribed in the National Buffer Zone Policy. The contractor
will also leave a buffer area of 30 metres width around the perimeter of the Nyifla Lake as prescribed by the National
Buffer Zone Policy for wetlands. The buffer zones will screen any soil sediments transported through run off water during
the construction and land preparation activities from getting into the water bodies.
The contractor(s) will immediately collect any excess excavated soils to minimise the potential for erosion into water
bodies and such excess or unusable materials will be used to fill existing borrow pits.
The contractor(s) will seek to reduce the quantity of heaped sand by delivery of quantities required for construction
over a specified period and ensure that any heaped sand for construction works will be covered with tarpaulin to prevent
wind and water transport of soil particles.
The contractor will ensure appropriate spill control measures are provided at the vehicle maintenance area and fuels
storage areas to reduce the potential impact from spills. These will include provision of bunds to contain spills,
installation and servicing of fuel dispensers.
Generation and
disposal of solid waste
Land, water
bodies
Tree and shrub stems; stock pile of tree stumps, roots, twigs and leaves; and unused excavated soil material will form
the bulk of the land preparation waste. The contractor(s) will allow the neighbouring communities to collect the tree
and shrub stems for use as poles, fuelwood and fencing material. As much as possible, the twigs and leaves will be spread
and ploughed into soil or allowed to decompose.
The contractor(s) will adopt efficient construction methods and re-use of construction material to minimize the waste
to be generated from the construction works. Excavated soil material will be re-used in backfilling and levelling as much
as possible. Excavated material and other construction waste such as wood chippings which cannot be re-used at the
site will be collected and disposed at the nearest North Tongu District approved landfill site which is located at Juapong,
about 18km from the project site.
The contractor(s) will immediately collect any excess soil material and unused excavated soils for backfilling of borrow
pits.
The contractor(s) will provide bins on site for collection and disposal of plastic waste and polythene materials such as
lubricant containers, drinking water sachets and carrier bags which will be regularly emptied at the approved dump site
at Juapong.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xx January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Occupational Health
and Safety Issues
Workers GCAP will engage experienced contractor(s) with requisite licenses and well-trained workers for the construction works.
The selected contractor(s) will have a Health & Safety Policy to guide the construction activities.
The contractor(s) will provide and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety
boots, rain coats, hand gloves, earplugs and nose masks. Sanctions will be implemented where this is not followed.
The contractor(s) will ensure that bulldozers, excavators, tractors and other machinery hired for land development and
construction works are in good condition and are well serviced, and the operators are experienced and well trained.
Good conditioned and well maintained equipment will reduce frequent breakdowns, noise nuisance and smoke
emissions which could affect the operators’ and other workers’ health and safety.
The engineering consultant will review the layout of the materials storage yard to ensure adequate working space is
provided for entry and exit of the yard by vehicles as well as loading and offloading materials to reduce the risk of
accidents. The Consultant will also ensure that the compatibility of materials and activities sited adjacent to one
another. For instance activities such as welding which provide ignition sources will not be located near fuel storage
areas.
The contractor will ensure only quantities required for a specified period are stored to reduce excess materials (beyond
the capacity of the yard) and ensure adequate spacing at the construction yard.
The selected contractor(s) will have adequate training in first aid, and provide first aid kits on site to treat minor ailments.
However, major cases will be referred to the nearest hospital or health post (Torgorme Health Centre or Akuse
Government Hospital).
The contractor(s) will allow only trained personnel and those with prerequisite skills to operate machinery.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Public safety communities
along haulage
road, project
communities
The contractor(s) will guard all excavations and trenches including borrow areas, canals and drains with caution tapes.
The contractor(s) will use warning signs at vantage points to indicate ongoing construction works.
The contractor(s) will enforce proper security at the project site during construction works to limit entry of unauthorised
persons to the project site.
The contractor will ensure that all haulage trucks comply with the approved speed limit of 50km/hr within the
communities along the haulage road.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxi January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The contractor will adjust haul times to ensure trucks do not move the communities during mornings when school
children may be crossing the road to school and during closing time.
Road impacts and
traffic issues
Communities
along haulage
road, project
communities,
public
Repair and maintain damaged sections of the road from Okwenya to the project site throughout the construction period.
The contractor will erect temporary road signs at junctions from the quarry sites and to the project site.
The contractor will ensure that all haulage trucks hired/contracted are in good condition to prevent breakdowns on
roads.
Do not park at unauthorised places to reduce the risk of accidents.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Influx of workers and
migrants
Community
members
The contractor(s), together with opinion leaders such as the Assembly member, will sensitise migrant workers on
societal norms, taboos and other cultural practices.
GCAP, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as the North Tongu District Health Directorate and the Torgorme
Health Centre, will organise awareness creation and educational programmes for all workers and the general public on
the behavioural changes required to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Obstruction of access
ways to communities
Community
members
The contractor(s) will provide safe alternative access routes for access ways that are obstructed/destroyed during
construction works.
The contractor(s) will erect sign posts at vantage points to guide community members through safe alternative access
ways during construction works.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Disruption of
livelihoods
Community
members, farmers
Community members already cultivating portions of the project site will be allowed to continue temporarily farming at
areas of the land which will not be affected by construction of the canal system. For those whose farming areas will be
affected by the construction of the canals, they will be allowed to temporarily farm at other areas which will not be
affected till the end of the construction works. Land allocations will then be made for all affected farmers after the
construction works to integrate them into the project.
The contractor(s) will provide safe temporary access routes for community members to access their farms during the
construction period.
The affected community members (farmers) will be allowed to collect felled tree stems and branches which can be used
as poles, fuelwood and fencing material or sold to generate income.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxii January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Sanitation issues and
public health impacts
Land, water
bodies, workers,
public
Contractor(s) will provide adequate waste bins at the project site for use to minimise indiscriminate disposal of plastic
and polythene material, cans and food waste by the workers. These bins will be frequently transported and emptied at
approved dump sites. This will prevent the littering of the project site with cans and bottles which could collect water
and breed mosquitoes.
Contractor(s) will regularly remove and dispose construction waste such as metal scrap, wood chippings, rubber seals,
nails, etc. for disposal at North Tongu District approved dumpsites.
Contractor(s) will appropriately and immediately cover trenches and/or excavations after they have served their
purpose to prevent accidents and collection of stagnant water which could serve as a breeding ground for disease borne
vectors e.g. mosquitoes.
The contractor(s) will provide temporary toilet facilities at the construction sites for use by the construction workers.
The workers will be educated against open defecation or “free range” defecation.
Contractor(s) will provide potable water for workers at all time.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Disturbance of
culturally sensitive
sites
Project
communities
Culturally sensitive sites such as sacred groves, shrines and cemeteries in the project area (including communities) shall
be preserved and incorporated in the project design.
The contractor shall ensure the construction workers are educated about the significance of these sites and instructed
to accord the necessary respect to these areas when working close to them.
The Contractor will ensure the communities elders are consulted prior to entry into the communities and vegetation
clearing in the lakes to ensure the necessary rites are performed.
In consultation with the Nakpoe community and the project proponents Block MC2-TC7-L2 which contains the Nakpoe
sacred grove and sub-block 1 of Block MC2-TC9-L1 (Nakpoe cemetery) will not be developed.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Sub-Total 2 (Constructional Phase): -
Agricultural Development and Operations Phase Impacts
Soil quality
degradation
Soil, fauna,
surface and
groundwater
A detailed soil study was conducted by the Design Consultant (WAPCOS) during the design stage of the project which
determined the chemical conditions of the soil at the project site. This will guide farmers to know the deficient soil
nutrients and the right types and quantities of fertilizers to apply.
Scheme
Management
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxiii January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The farmers will adopt integrated weed and pest management practices for weed and pest control such as use of
certified and disease tolerant seed varieties, use of early maturing seed varieties, proper land preparation, early planting,
following recommended planting space between rows and plants, timely/early weeding, suitable water management
practices and the use of agrochemicals where necessary. This will minimize the rate of agrochemical use.
The Scheme Management Entity (SME) will sensitize farmers to purchase only EPA approved agrochemicals from
licensed agrochemical shops for use at the recommended application rates. The SME will purchase EPA’s current register
of approved and banned agrochemicals and make it available to the farmers to consult prior to the selection and
purchase of agrochemicals for use. Extracts of the current register are provided in Annex 6.
The SME will ensure that any Product and Service Enterprise (PSE) it may engage to supply agrochemicals for farmers
will only supply EPA approved agrochemicals. The PSE will also educate the farmers on the proper handling and
recommended application rates of the agrochemicals.
The SME will sensitize farmers to, preferentially, use selective pesticides with low environmental impact quotient (EIQ)
where appropriate, rather than broad-spectrum products, to minimize impacts on non-target species.
The farmers will incorporate cover crops at erosion prone areas to minimise erosion.
With the exception of the major land preparation to be carried out at the onset of the farm, the farmers will adopt
minimum/reduced tillage for the subsequent planting seasons where possible. This will minimise soil impact on soil
fauna. Ploughing and harrowing will only be done where necessary, example due to proliferation of weeds.
Under minimum/reduced tillage, the stocks and leaves of harvested crops will be left on the field as much as possible to
serve as mulch to conserve soil moisture and also decompose improve soil biological condition.
The farmers will explore the use of organic manure and where practically possible used on the farm to minimise the use
of inorganic manure and improve soil biological conditions.
Entity (SME)/
farmers
Pollution of water
sources
Surface and
underground
water, aquatic life
GIDA and GCAP, as part of the project design, will rehabilitate the water treatment facility at Nakpoe and extend it to
the neighbouring communities which depend on the Nyifla Lake/stream (Sokope, Deikope, Nyiflapkoe, Nyiflakope and
Agyimakope) as an alternative source of potable water. GIDA and GCAP will consider utilizing solar power for the
treatment facility due to lack of electricity connection at Nakpoe.
GCAP/ SME/
Farmers
As part of BoQ
for contract on
water provision
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxiv January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
GIDA and GCAP will also consider the provision of alternative source of potable water for the communities in the project
area which depend on the Volta River (Gblornu, Kasa, Daledokope and Alabonu). The options may include connection
of water from the water treatment facility at Nakpoe or construction of a similar water treatment facility.
The SME will ensure the use of agrochemicals including inorganic fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides is reduced as
much as possible. Integrated weed and pest management to be adopted by the farmers will minimise the use of
weedicides and pesticides.
The farmers will use erosion control measures such as ploughing along the contour of the land, growing of cover crops,
use of mulch and minimum tillage to minimize erosion and sediment transport from the project site.
The SME will sensitize farmers to use pesticide application technologies and practices designed to minimize off-site
movement or runoff, such as low-drift nozzles, using the largest droplet size and lowest pressure that are suitable for
the product.
The farmers will ensure any unused dilute pesticide that cannot be applied to the crop—along with rinse water, and out
of-date or no-longer approved pesticides—would be disposed of as a hazardous waste, as per FAO guidelines.
The SME will provide separate labelled bins on site to collect all agrochemical containers after they have been punctured
and triple washed. The collected containers will be taken back to the seller for appropriate disposal/recycling.
The SME will regularly farmers on agrochemical handling, usage, storage and management of empty agrochemical
containers.
Impacts on grazing
land and conflict with
cattle herders
Livestock owners/
herders/ farmers
The GIDA and GCAP, in collaboration with the Torgorme Traditional Council will identify alternative grazing areas for
livestock owners.
Rice straw from harvested rice fields will be made available to livestock owners and cattle owners to use as feed.
The Design Consultant (WAPCOS) will incorporate cattle drinking points into the design of canals at the periphery of the
scheme command area to provide drinking water for cattle without crossing into the command area.
The Design Consultant will incorporate bridges into the project design which will allow human and vehicular crossing to
the scheme command area, but prevent cattle from crossing.
The SME, GIDA and GCAP will assist communities to establish fodder banks in their communities to provide the fodder
needs for livestock owners in the communities.
GCAP/GIDA/
SME/ WAPCOS
3,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxv January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Impacts on secondary
livelihoods
Community
members
GCAP/GIDA will engage the community leaders and members to identify and register affected charcoal producers and
pot makers in the communities. This will be done prior to construction works.
The Land Allocation Committee (LAC) will integrate the affected persons into the scheme through land allocation for
farming to sustain their livelihoods. Affected persons who also wish to be employed to work on anchor farms will be
given such employment opportunities to sustain their livelihoods.
GIDA/ GCAP/
LAC
-
Impacts on
communities within
the scheme
Community
members
The project will comply with the final project design by respecting the new boundary of the project site, which has been
further shifted from the project fringe communities to allow for future expansion.
The project will create the 25m buffer zone as proposed in the final project design. This will be conserved and enhanced
through enrichment planting to provide productive functions (example: fodder, fuelwood, fruits, etc.) and regulation
functions (example: windbreak functions, screening of agrochemicals in run off, screening of airborne dust, etc.) for the
project fringe communities.
The LAC will ensure that farmers in the communities will be allocated irrigation blocks closest to their respective
communities to provide a source of livelihood and ensure that the farmers do not develop within the safe buffer zones
as well as riparian buffers for the Volta River and Nyifla Lake. The farmers will also be much more inclined to adopting
responsible social and environmental measures directed at protecting their communities.
GIDA, GCAP and the SME will ensure that Irrigation Sub-blocks 9, 10 and 11 are not allocated for development by the
LAC to ensure the safety of students in the new Gblornu D/A Primary.
GCAP and the SME to ensure that the drains serving irrigation blocks adjacent to communities are covered at strategic
locations (either by use of piped culverts or covered drains) to prevent falls and accidents.
In order to ensure peaceful coexistence and reduce the incidence of conflicts, GCAP together with Ghana Irrigation
Development Authority (GIDA) and the North Tongu District Assembly, will continue to extensively consult the project
fringe communities throughout the project implementation to ensure their free, prior informed consent for the
proposed development as well as agree on the terms of their occupancy, including procedures to be followed for
expansion and compatible land use activities.
GCAP/ GIDA/
LAC/ SME
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxvi January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Waste generation and
disposal
Land, water
bodies, public
The farmers will leave crop residue from harvested vegetables, legumes and maize on the fields to serve as mulch and
allowed to decompose on the farm to improve the organic matter content of the soil.
Rice straw has various uses (thatch, composting, mulching, bedding material for livestock, animal fodder, fuel for brick
kilns and power generation, packaging material, etc.). Some amount of straw may be left on rice fields to be tilled into
the soil and recycle nutrients stored in them. Excesses will be gathered, collected and temporarily heaped by the fields
and made available to the public for collection and use. Livestock owners and cattle herders will especially be
encouraged to collect the rice straw for use as feed.
Where rice milling is incorporated into the project, rice husks will be generated as waste. Rice husk has various uses
(such as bedding material for livestock, planting material and soil aeration in crop farming, biomass for fuel in power
plants or fuel in burning furnaces, etc.) and will be made available to any prospective user.
The options to be explored by the SME for the management of any excesses of rice husk will include burying and
compositing, and in the long-term, acquiring a burning furnace which can utilize rice husk as fuel to generate heat for
drying of the rice.
The SME will educate the farmers on the various uses of rice straw and rice husk to encourage them to find alternative
uses for the rice straw which could also lead to generation of additional income.
GCAP and GIDA are also collaborating with the farmers to identify potential organizations and individuals to collect the
rice straw for use.
The SME will ensure farmers provide bins on the farm for temporary storage of plastic and polythene materials such as
drinking water sachets used by farmers and workers on the farms for collection and proper disposal by registered waste
management company at the approved dump site at Juapong.
The farmers will collect all packages of pesticides and herbicides from the field after use and properly store them until
they are returned to the supplier for appropriate disposal.
The SME will provide separate labelled bins on site for collection of agrochemical containers, foil seals, lids and fertilizer
sacks for return to the suppliers for recycling/proper disposal, as per FAO guidelines. Empty agrochemical
bottles/containers will be triple-washed and punctured prior to being stored in the separate labelled bins for returning
to the suppliers. This will ensure they cannot be reused.
Scheme
Management
Entity
10,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxvii January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The SME will ensure bins containing used agrochemical containers are stored safely and are securely under cover prior
to their safe disposal; they will not be used for other purposes.
Fire risks Farmers/workers,
public, property
Burning will not be utilised as a farm management practice for the project. GCAP prohibits burning as a farm
management practice and will ensure the SME and farmers comply with this directive.
The farmers will construct fire belts on all borders of the farm to prevent any bush fires from entering the farm.
GIDA and GCAP will ensure the contractor(s) uses high quality electrical wiring materials for the construction of offices,
warehouses and all other building facilities.
Firefighting and detection equipment such as smoke detectors, alarms and fire extinguishers will be installed in buildings
and offices. Fire extinguishers will also be provided for use at the farm.
The SME will ensure fire extinguishers are regularly serviced.
The SME will establish Emergency Assembly Points at all building premises and the farm.
Emergency contact numbers will be displayed at vantage points in building premises and on farms.
All equipment and machinery will be regularly serviced and maintained by the SME.
The SME will educate all farmers and workers on potential causes at the fire including smoking, cooking, burning, etc.
All farmers and workers will be trained on fire prevention and control by the SME. This will be done in collaboration with
the GNFS of the North Tongu District.
Selected farmers and workers will be trained by the SME in collaboration with the GNFS as fire volunteers to manage
minor fires.
Scheme
Management
Entity/ GCAP
15,000 annually
Occupational health
and safety
Farmers, workers The SME will ensure that any pesticides used are manufactured, formulated, packaged, labelled, handled, stored,
disposed of, and applied according to the FAO’s International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management1.
The farmers will ensure that pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Recommended
Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes 1a (extremely hazardous) and 1b (highly hazardous) (Refer to Annex 7), or
Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention (Refer to Annex 8) are not purchased, stored or used.
All pesticides listed in WHO Hazard Class II (moderately hazardous) (See Annex 7), will be avoided unless appropriate
controls established with respect to the manufacture, procurement, or distribution and/or use of these chemicals are in
GCAP/ GIDA/
SME/ Farmers
20,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxviii January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
place. These chemicals would not be accessible to personnel without proper training, equipment, and facilities in which
to handle, store, apply, and dispose of these products properly.
The SME will ensure all staff and farmers are trained on appropriate use and handling of agrochemicals.
The SME will provide selected staff and farmers with first aid training, including on accidents associated with
agrochemical use, to administer first aid health care in the event of any accidents.
The SME will enforce the use of appropriate PPEs such as gloves, nose masks, coveralls, goggles, safety boots, etc. by all
farmers and workers especially during the handling of agrochemicals such as during spraying of weedicides or
application of fertilizers.
Fire detection, warning and fighting equipment such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers to be
provided by the SME at all building premises and also fire extinguishers at the farm (as indicated above) will help in the
early detection and control of fires.
Safety procedures, particularly with the operation of machines and the handling and use of agrochemicals will be
enforced by the SME and sanctions applied when they are not adhered to.
Contractors will install warning signs (eg. Speed limits) and also use cautioning tapes and fencing at the project site.
Sanitation issues and
public health
Land, air, water,
workers, farmers,
public
The SME will enforce the use of separate labelled bins for the collection and disposal of used agrochemical containers
(after they are triple-washed and punctured) and sacks to prevent indiscriminate disposal.
The SME will train all farmers and workers on the harmful effects of reuse of agrochemical containers.
Any unused dilute pesticide that cannot be applied to the crop—along with rinse water, and out of-date or no-longer
approved pesticides—would be disposed of as a hazardous waste by the SME as per FAO guidelines.
The SME will ensure the use of bins for collection of plastic containers and polythene bags at the warehouse and farms
to prevent indiscriminate disposal which could also collect water and lead to breeding of mosquitoes.
The SME will ensure areas around building premises are neatly kept and not allowed to get bushy to breed mosquitoes.
Open defecation will be discouraged at the farms through education of the farmers and workers. The farmers, who will
be from the neighbouring project communities, will be compelled to use toilet facilities in their homes or toilets provided
at workshops/warehouses/office premises.
SME/ Farmers -
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxix January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Pest/rodent
infestation and
contamination of
produce
Stored produce,
farmers, public The SME will adopt an integrated insect and rodent management system to control insects and rodent infestation. This
will include:
o Good housekeeping practices such as regular cleaning inside warehouses/storage rooms and proper packing of
produce for ease of inspection;
o Keeping the surroundings of warehouses/storage rooms clean and free from weeds;
o Preventing insects and rodents from entering warehouses/storage rooms by regularly inspecting all doors, walls,
windows and roof for any openings and repairing them;
o Use of biological control, such as cats, to keep mice and other rodents from the warehouses/storage rooms;
o Use of rodent traps; and
o Chemical control/fumigation through the use of EPA approved agrochemicals to control pests and rodents.
Scheme
Management
Entity
6,000 annually
Post-harvest losses Farm produce,
Farmers The farmers will ensure harvested cereals are properly dried to about 13-14% moisture content to make them suitable
for storage.
The farmers will ensure on-farm processing activities, such as dehusking, shelling and drying, are properly done to reduce
mechanical damage to grains which increases their susceptibility to disease infestation.
Warehouse designs will include proper ventilation and the SME will regularly inspect the roofs to ensure there are no
openings for leakages. This is to prevent damp conditions and rain water from getting into warehouses/storage rooms.
Warehouse managers will ensure bags of produce are stacked on pallets off the ground and away from walls to prevent
any damp (moisture) from the floor and walls from reaching the produce.
The SME will ensure warehouses/storage rooms and their surrounding environments are always kept clean and free
from weeds.
Bags of grains will be properly arranged on pallets and the pallets will be arranged in rows with adequate spacing in
between to ensure ease of cleaning warehouses and inspection of produce for rodents and insects.
Warehouse managers will ensure new produce from farms are not mixed with old produce in warehouses/storage
rooms by storing new produce at a different sections.
Warehouse managers will adopt “first in first out” practices to ensure that old produce are always sold first.
Warehouse managers will ensure that any infested produce will be immediately removed and destroyed to prevent
infestation of other produce.
SME/
Warehouse
managers/
farmers
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxx January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Chemical treatment/fumigation, by using only EPA approved agrochemicals, will be used by the warehouse managers
to control pest/rodents and diseases where necessary.
Sustainability of the
farming venture
Land, water,
workers, public
GCAP and GIDA will select an experienced SME with qualified staff and expertise to oversee the operations of the
irrigation scheme.
Farmers will sell their farm produce at realistic market prices to generate sufficient revenue.
The SME will ensure the Irrigation Service Charge (ISC) is realistic and is regularly paid to ensure maintenance of facilities
and the sustainability of the project.
The SME will ensure efficient use of irrigation water to conserve water resources and the farmers will efficiently use
resources such as fuel and agrochemicals to minimize economic losses.
The SME will ensure regular maintenance of irrigation facilities, warehouses/storage rooms and all other equipment to
prolong their life span and prevent regular breakdowns.
Training will be regularly provided by the SME for staff and farmers on improved agronomic practices.
The SME will ensure farmers only use improved and certified seed varieties to enhance productivity.
The North Tongu District Department of Agriculture and GIDA will be regularly consulted by the SME for technical and
agronomic advice.
GCAP/ GIDA/
SME/ Farmers
-
Sub-Total 3 (Agricultural Development and Operations Phase): 54,000 annually
GRAND TOTAL (Sub-Total 1 + Sub-Total 2 + Sub-Total 3): 54,000
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxxi January 2018.
Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan
Monitoring programmes have been developed for all significant adverse environmental and social
impacts identified. In addition to the significant adverse impacts, monitoring plans have been developed
for the following:
Air quality
Noise;
Public complaints/grievances; and
Environmental compliance.
Provisional Environmental and Social Management Plan
The programmes proposed to meet the mitigation measures and monitoring programmes will include the
following:
Programme to meet requirements;
o Adoption of Environmental, Health and Safety Policies and Operational Procedures;
o Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Management Structuring;
o Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Committee;
o Farmers/Workers’ information and training;
o Environmental and social monitoring programmes; and
o Audits and Reviews.
Public participation;
Grievance Redress Mechanism; and
Environmental and social management budgeting.
The environmental and social monitoring and management plans described above require detailed cost
analysis after project development to determine the budget needed for implementation. Initial cost
estimates provided indicates that over Two Hundred and Six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢206,000.00)
may be needed annually for the programme.
Emergency Response Procedures
Response measures have been proposed for the following emergencies which may arise during project
implementation:
i. Fire;
ii. Medical or Accident;
iii. Agrochemical Spill;
iv. Oil Spill; and
v. Flooding.
Decommissioning
Decommissioning of the proposed project is an unlikely option. The crops to be cultivated – cereals (rice
and maize), grain legumes (cowpea and soya beans) and vegetables (pepper, okra, cabbage, watermelon
and butternut squash) – are annual crops and complete their life cycle, from germination to production
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page xxxii January 2018.
of seed, within one year. They can be cultivated for as long as the necessary factors of soil nutrient, water
availability, market availability, etc. exist.
In the event of decommissioning the project, the activities to be undertaken will include:
Stakeholder Consultation;
Evacuation of farmers and workers;
Removal of moveable property;
Transfer of ownership of non-moveable property;
Waste management; and
Site restoration/rehabilitation.
Conclusion
GCAP is committed to ensuring sustainable environmental management and safeguarding the health and
safety of the farmers and all other workers as well as the general public in the implementation of the
proposed Rehabilitation and Modernization of the KLBIP. GCAP is also aware of the provisions in the
Environmental Protection Agency Act 1994, Act 490 and Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999, LI
1652. In keeping with these laws, this ESIS has identified and assessed key environmental and social
impacts and concerns that may arise from the implementation of the proposed project.
Mitigation measures have been provided to address these impacts and any residual impacts arising after
application of the full mitigation measures will be minor or negligible. A monitoring programme to help
detect changes arising from the predicted adverse impacts has also been prepared and presented in the
report together with a Provisional Environmental and Social Management Plan (PESMP). The
recommendations laid out in the PESMP for the project should also ensure that a high level of
environmental protection is maintained.
The proposed Rehabilitation and Modernization of the KLBIP by GCAP has the potential to provide
numerous benefits to the communities in the project area and the national economy. These include
employment opportunities for farmers and workers who will be engaged, enhanced incomes and
livelihoods, increased food production and food security and improvement in revenue generation of
regulatory institutions and the national economy.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 1 January 2018.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
As part of the ‘Investments in physical rehabilitation and modernization of existing public irrigation and
drainage infrastructure’ component of the project, the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) in
consultation with Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) has selected four (4) public irrigation
schemes for rehabilitation and modernization. Details of the selected irrigation schemes are presented in
Table 1-1 and Figure 1-1 shows the location of the selected four irrigation.
Table 1-1: Selected Irrigation Schemes for Rehabilitation under GCAP
S/N Name of Irrigation Scheme Location Region Expected irrigable
area
1 Kpong Irrigation Scheme (KIS) Asutsuare &
Akuse
Gt. Accra/
Eastern
3000 ha
2 Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project
(KLBIP)
Torgorme Volta 2000 ha
3 Tono Irrigation Scheme Tono Upper East 2490 ha
4 Vea Irrigation Scheme Vea Upper East 850 ha
GCAP was established in 2012 under the auspices of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) with
support from the World Bank – International Development Association (IDA) and USAID. GCAP aims to
develop agriculture in Ghana in line with the country’s efforts at poverty reduction and ensuring food
security by promoting inclusive commercial farming along selected commodity value chains. The Project
Development Objective (PDO) is to improve agricultural productivity and production of both smallholder
and nucleus farms in selected project intervention areas with increased access to reliable water, land,
finance, and agricultural input and output markets.
GCAP has commissioned WAPCOS Limited (India) in association with Agrartec Services Limited (Ghana) to
provide consultancy services to review and update the feasibility studies, and provide designs for the
rehabilitation and modernisation of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP) infrastructure as well
as supervise the completion of the KLBIP. The existing infrastructure in the area developed under the
gravity system is about 500 ha, and the proposed extension of the irrigation facilities is to cover additional
1500 ha area.
The KLBIP aims at developing the necessary infrastructure for the enhancement of livelihood
opportunities in communities within its sphere of influence, and to support the attainment of food
security in Ghana. It will also increase the production and productivity of high-value cash and staple food
crops and enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural products in both regional and
international markets.
The rehabilitation, modernisation, and expansion, which is intended to bring 2,000 ha of land under
gravity-fed irrigation, has environmental and social implications at the local, district, regional and national
level. SAL Consult Limited, an environmental & water consulting firm based in Accra, Ghana has been
contracted by GCAP to carry out the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 2 January 2018.
Figure 1-1: Location Map of the selected four public irrigation schemes for rehabilitation
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 3 January 2018.
In line with environmental permitting requirements as provided under the Environmental Assessment
Regulations of 1999, Legislative Instrument (LI) 1652, GCAP registered the proposed Project with the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA in a response letter dated April 14, 2016, and referenced
CA: 560/01/02 (see Annex 1a for copy of EPA letter) classified the proposed project as one which requires
an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to be carried out to help understand the likely
implications of the proposal in order to inform the environmental permitting decision-making prior to
project implementation.
The EPA advised in the said letter that a scoping exercise be carried out in order to generate the relevant
terms of reference to guide a satisfactory ESIA study and the Agency also advised that a Scoping Notice
must be published to facilitate stakeholder involvement.
A Scoping Report was duly submitted to the EPA, and the Agency in their response letter dated October
27, 2016 and referenced CA: 560/01/04 advised that the EIA should be carried out. The EPA’s response
letter to the Scoping Report is attached as Annex 1b. A Draft ESIA report was submitted to EPA and the
client, and onward to the World Bank for review. This was followed by the submission of a Revised ESIA
report to GCAP and the World Bank incorporating comments received on the Draft ESIA report. Further
comments were received from the World Bank and GCAP on the Revised ESIA report which have been
incorporated in this Final Environmental and Social Impact Statement (ESIS). The Final ESIS also
incorporates comments from EPA on the Draft ESIA report submitted to the Agency. The EPA’s response
letter to the Draft ESIA report and references to sections where the comments are addressed are provided
in Annex 1c.
The Scoping Notice, which aims at inviting public comments on the proposed project has been published
on page 54 of the August 25, 2016 edition of the Daily Graphic, a national newspaper. A copy of the notice
is provided in Annex 2.
1.2 Purpose/Aim of the ESIA Study
The purpose of the ESIA study is to address possible direct and indirect significant adverse environmental
and social impacts of the proposed project for acceptability and sustainability. The ESIA study is also to
aid in decision making on whether to proceed with the project or not given the potential environmental
cost. The ESIA is based on the updated Feasibility Study and Design by WAPCOS Limited (India) in
association with Agrartec Services Limited (Ghana). The Consultants were contracted by GCAP to review
and update the feasibility studies, and provide designs for the rehabilitation and modernisation of the
Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP) infrastructure.
The study also aims at satisfying both legal and institutional obligations specified under Environmental
Protection Agency Act 1994 (Act 490) and Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999 (LI 1652).
1.3 Scope of work for the ESIA Study
The scope of work for the ESIA study is to among other things achieve the following:
provide technical description of the proposed project and identify all activities of
environmental/social concern;
establish the existing environmental and socio-economic baseline conditions of the project area of
influence;
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 4 January 2018.
predict and examine all the significant environmental and social impacts on the surrounding
communities and the general environment during implementation of the proposed project and advise
on appropriate mitigation and abatement measures against potential adverse impacts;
provide a monitoring programme for predicted impacts in a Provisional Environmental and Social
Management Plan (PESMP) framework;
document the socio-economic and cultural advantages and disadvantages associated with the
proposed project for stakeholders and interested groups to make an informed decision on the level
of environmental compromise; and
Carry out public consultations and include the outcome in the ESIA report with agreed mitigation
measures in the Project design.
1.4 Approach and Methodology for the ESIA Study
The approach and methodology for the ESIA study involved the following:
Desktop study and literature reviews;
Participation in project technical meetings to appreciate ongoing design issues and concerns;
Reconnaissance visit and site inspections;
Public/stakeholder consultations and involvement;
Data collation, analysis and reporting;
Identification and assessment of environmental and social impacts;
Mitigation measures; and
Monitoring and management plan.
1.4.1 Desktop Study and Literature Reviews
Extensive desktop study and literature reviews were carried out as part of the ESIA. The approach was
essentially based on review of available project related documents/literature, relevant laws and other
strategic planning documents at the national and sector levels and also at the international level with
reference to project financing.
Policies and legal framework documents reviewed covered:
Relevant sector policy/plan documents and regulations as provided under Section 2.1;
Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490);
Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI 1652);
Ghana ESIA Procedures;
World Bank Safeguard Policies; and
World Bank/IFC EHS Guidelines.
Project related documents obtained from GCAP and reviewed included:
GCAP Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF);
GCAP Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF);
Report on Land Diagnostic Study of the Accra Plains;
Project Appraisal Document of GCAP;
The Project’s Restructuring Paper of GCAP;
Project Implementation Manual for GCAP;
Pest Management Plan (PMP) for GCAP – Draft Final Report;
Environmental Scoping Report prepared by WAPCOS on KLBIP;
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 5 January 2018.
KLBIP Feasibility Report; and
KLBIP Detailed Design Report.
Other relevant documents/literature reviewed included:
1:50,000 topographical maps of the project area;
Environmental and Social Impact Statement (ESIS) for Anyako Farms Ltd (a selected GCAP grantee
within the KLBIP catchment), September 2016;
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the AgDevCo Babator Irrigated Farm Hub Project in the
Bole District of the Northern Region, May 2015; and
Medium Term Development Plans of the North Tongu District.
1.4.2 Participation in project technical meetings to appreciate ongoing design issues and concerns
A member of the SAL Consult team for the assignment participated in the monthly progress technical
meetings for April to October 2016 in which the design consultant made presentations on the progress of
work to stakeholders including the client, traditional authorities and local farmers. Ongoing design
studies, issues and challenges were discussed and concerns of participating farmers also captured.
1.4.3 Field visits and site inspections
Field visits and inspections of the project site were carried out by the environmental consultant with field
assistance from WAPCOS, the design consultant, between June and October, 2016. The field inspections
enabled the consultant to appreciate the project area of influence, the nature of biophysical environment
to be affected (especially current land and water uses), the relevant baseline data to be obtained, and the
socio-economic characteristics of the environment to be potentially impacted by the project including the
neighbouring rural communities, current infrastructural status as well as existing irrigation schemes in the
project area.
1.4.4 Stakeholder Identification and Consultations
The project proponents have been engaged to understand the project scope, design and implementation
and to obtain relevant project documents. The Design Consultants (WAPCOS) and SAL Consult Limited
have held various levels of consultations with relevant stakeholders at the district and national levels,
including traditional authorities, local communities, district assembly, MoFA, Volta River Authority (VRA),
Farmer Based groups and commercial irrigation companies in the project area. Details of the stakeholder
consultations are provided under Chapter 5. The stakeholders consulted are as follows:
Project Proponents and Scheme Management Entities
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Commercial Agricultural Project (GCAP) Office;
Irrigation Design and Supervision Consultants for the KLBIP, WAPCOS Ltd/Agrartec Services Ltd;
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA); and
Scheme Management Entity for Torgorme Irrigation Project (Post Agric Limited).
Regulatory Agencies
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
Water Resources Commission (WRC);
Lands Commission (LC);
Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS); and
Factories Inspectorate Department (FID).
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 6 January 2018.
Other Government institutions
Department of Agriculture, District Office; and
Town and Country Planning Department, District Office.
Local Government /Political Authorities
North Tongu District Assembly, Battor-Dugame; and
Assembly Member- Torgorme.
Neighbouring Private Organisations
Vegpro Ghana Ltd; and
Anyako Farms.
Traditional Authorities and Neighbouring Communities
Chiefs and Elders of Torgorme Traditional Council; and
Local communities – Togorme, Azagonorkope, Sokope, Nyiflakpo, Nakpoe, Alablornu, Kassa,
Daledokope, Deikope and Gblornu
Farmer Based Organizations
Torgorme Area Cooperative Farmers Union (TACFU);
Afenya Group;
Miator Group;
Dzibgordi Group;
Nenyo Group; and
Veviedodo Group.
A scoping notice has also been published in the Daily Graphic to inform the general public about the
proposed project as required under the procedure for the conduct of ESIA in accordance with Regulations
15 (1) of LI 1652. A copy of the published scoping notice has been attached as Annex 2.
1.4.5 Data collation, Analysis and Reporting
The relevant data and information obtained from the desktop study/literature reviews, stakeholder
consultations and field visits were collated, analysed where necessary and have been presented in this
Final ESIS. The Final ESIS presentation is in line with the EPA format and the major headings of the report
are:
i. Non-Technical Executive summary
ii. Introduction
iii. Policy, Legislative and Administrative Requirements
iv. Description of proposal and alternatives
v. Description of existing environment/baseline
vi. Stakeholder consultation
vii. Impacts identification and significance
viii. Mitigation and enhancement measures
ix. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan
x. Provisional Environmental and Social Management Plan
xi. Emergency Response Procedures
xii. Decommissioning
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 7 January 2018.
xiii. Conclusion
xiv. Bibliography
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 8 January 2018.
2.0 RELEVANT POLICIES, LAWS AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Key Policies, Laws and Institutions
The Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) is
committed to adhering to the requirements of all applicable policies and laws associated with the design,
rehabilitation, development and modernization of the KLBIP. The relevant Ghanaian environmental and
other statutory laws, policies, and regulations to guide GCAP and the irrigation scheme managers from
the conceptualization through implementation are summarised in the table below.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 9 January 2018.
Table 2-1: Summary of key Policies, Laws and Institutional framework
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Policy Framework
Ghana Shared Growth and
Development Agenda, 2010
It provides for the Vision for the Agricultural, Environment and Natural Resource Sectors in Chapter
four. The main focus of the agricultural sector is to accelerate the modernization of agriculture and
ensure its linkage with industry through the application of science, technology and innovation.
The modernized agriculture sector is expected to underpin the transformation of the economy
through job creation, increased export earnings, food security, and supply of raw materials for
value addition and rural development as well as significant reduction in the incidence of poverty.
The proposed project will use irrigation systems to
enhance crop productivity and contribute to
improving food security in the country. It will also
create jobs for the people of neighbouring
communities, improve livelihoods of participating
farmers and enhance the rural economy.
National Environmental
Policy, 2013
The ultimate aim of the Policy is to improve the surroundings, living conditions and the quality of
life of the entire citizenry, both present and future. It seeks to promote sustainable development
through ensuring a balance between economic development and natural resource conservation.
The policy thus makes a high quality environment a key element supporting the country’s economic
and social development.
The proposed project will promote sustainable
development by including economic, social and
environmental considerations in the rehabilitation
and modernization of the KLBIP.
National Land Policy, 1999
The key aspects of the policy relevant to the project include:
The use of any land in Ghana for sustainable development, the protection of water bodies and
the environment and any other socioeconomic activity will be determined through national land
use planning guidelines based on sustainable principles in the long term national interest.
Land categories outside Ghana's permanent forest and wildlife estates are available for such uses
as agriculture, timber, mining and other extractive industries, and human settlement within the
context of a national land use plan.
All land and water resources development activities must conform to the environmental laws in
the country and where Environmental Impact Assessment report is required this must be
provided. Environmental protection within the 'polluter pays' principle will be enforced.
The project site is not a protected area, forest or
wildlife estate and has been zoned for agricultural
purposes.
The Project is sited on a Government acquired land.
The implementation of the project will conform to
the environmental laws of the country which
includes, registration with EPA, Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment and obtaining an
environmental permit prior to commencement.
National Environmental
Action Plan 1994
The National Environmental Action Plan was initiated to define a set of policy actions, related
investments and institutional strengthening activities that would make Ghana’s development
strategy more environmentally sustainable. The Plan formulated a national environmental policy
as the framework for implementing the Action Plan.
The Policy aims at ensuring a sound management of resources and the environment, and to avoid
any exploitation of these resources in a manner that might cause irreparable damage to the
environment. Specifically, it provides for maintenance of ecosystems and ecological processes
The design and implementation of the proposed
project will take into consideration measures to
promote the sustainable use of natural resources
and ensure environmental management.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 10 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
essential for the functioning of the biosphere, sound management of natural resources and the
environment, and protection of humans, animals and plants and their habitats.
National Water Policy, 2007 The objective of Section 2.2.3 Focus Area 3 –Water for Food Security is to ensure availability of
water in sufficient quantity and quality for cultivation of food crops, watering of livestock and
sustainable freshwater fisheries to achieve sustainable food security for the country. The relevant
policy measures and/or actions to be undertaken include:
(i) encouraging efficient use of fertilizers to reduce pollution of water bodies and ensure
conservation of water; and
(ii) promoting and encouraging water use efficiency techniques in agriculture and reducing
transmission losses of water in irrigation systems.
The proposed project will ensure efficient use of
water and employ concrete lined canals to ensure
water use efficiency and reduce transmission losses.
This ESIA study has also recommended appropriate
mitigation measures to avoid water pollution.
Forest and Wildlife Policy,
2012
The objectives of the policy are to manage and enhance the ecological integrity of Ghana’s forest,
savannah, wetlands and other ecosystems; to promote the rehabilitation and restoration of
degraded landscapes through plantations development and community forestry; to promote the
development of viable forest and wildlife based industries and livelihoods; and to promote training,
research and technology development that supports sustainable forest management.
The Forestry Commission will have access to the
ESIA report and will study the flora and fauna
survey. The Commission will ensure that any
identified sacred thicket or forest revered by the
local communities are protected as community
dedicated forest.
National Employment Policy,
2012
The National Employment Policy indicates that poverty is still high at about 28.5 percent and that
there is a strong correlation between the employment situation and poverty. The policy states that
the key source of demand for labour emanates from the productive sectors of the economy,
namely, agriculture, industry and service. One of the key strategies of the employment policy is to
promote farm and non-farm rural employment through modernization of agriculture, improving
the productivity of farmers and contract farming arrangements, promoting effective linkages
between farm and non-farm activities among others.
The irrigation project will provide employment
opportunities for the people of Torgorme and
neighbouring communities (e.g. Alabonu, Nakpoe,
Sokope, Gblornu, and Azagunorkope) and enhance
the productivity of farmers through the use of all
year round irrigation system for their farming and
the provision of inputs such as improved seeds,
fertilizers, etc.
National Gender Policy, 2015
The National Gender Policy aims at mainstreaming gender equality concerns into the national
development processes by improving the social, legal, civic, political, economic and socio-cultural
conditions of the people of Ghana. It also seeks to empower the vulnerable groups particularly
women, children, and people with special needs such as persons with disabilities and the
marginalized.
The project will not discriminate against women
and the vulnerable in the local communities. The
criteria for selecting beneficiary farmers will
consider gender and disability
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 11 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
National Climate Change
Policy, 2013
The Policy is built on seven (7no.) systematic pillars and the objective of the Policy is to mitigate
and ensure an effective adaptation in key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and food
security, natural resources management, energy, industry and infrastructure among others.
Under the Agriculture and Food Security area, the key objectives are:
Develop climate-resilient agriculture and food systems for all agro-ecological zones; and
Develop human resource capacity for climate-resilient.
The key actions to achieve these objectives which are related to the proposed project include:
Develop climate-resilient cropping and livestock systems as well as crop varieties and livestock
breeds tolerant to flooding, drought and salinity;
Promote appropriate technologies for small-scale irrigation, water re-use and water harvesting;
and
Improve post-harvest capacity, e.g., storage and processing facilities and infrastructure.
The climate-resilient technology to be adopted for
the proposed project include the use of improved
seed varieties and irrigation facilities.
The irrigation facility will ensure that the project
does not rely solely on rain-fed farming.
National Irrigation Policy,
2010
The objective of irrigation policy is to expand and improve the efficiency of irrigation to support
agricultural development and growth. It will be pursued with principles of sustainability in
operation and maintenance, and use of natural resources, equitable access by women to benefits
of irrigation, and the rights to participate in irrigation management. The targets of the Ghana
Irrigation Policy are to attain national food security, increase livelihood options, intensify and
diversify production of agricultural commodities.
The proposed project will include irrigation, utilizing
canals and drains as a means of ensuring adequate
water supply. The beneficiary farmers will including
women, will have access to the all year water supply
to their farms to increase their productivity and
enhance their livelihoods.
Riparian Buffer Zone Policy,
2014
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has developed a national policy document on Riparian
Buffer Zone Protection for managing freshwater bodies in the country. It aims at providing
comprehensive measures and actions that would guide the creation of vegetative buffers for the
preservation and functioning of the nation’s water bodies and vital ecosystems. The following are
provided in the riparian buffer zone policy document:
Recommended Design Standards for Riparian Buffer Zones
The recommended buffer widths are:
Municipal reservoir shoreline protective buffer: 60 to 90 meters (e.g. Weija Dam and Lake
Bosomtwe);
Major perennial rivers/streams: 10 to 60 meters (e.g. Volta, Tano, and Offin);
GCAP/GIDA will ensure that the required buffer
around the Volta River and other seasonal streams
on the project land is maintained.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 12 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Minor perennial streams: 10 to 20 meters;
Important seasonal streams: 10 to 15 meters;
Streams within forest reserves: 10 to 50 meters; and
Wetlands: 30‐meters around the perimeter as defined from the high water elevation.
Food and Agriculture Sector
Development Policy
(FASDEP).
The revised FASDEP of 2006 (FASDEP II) emphasizes the sustainable utilization of all resources and
commercialization of activities in the sector with market-driven growth in mind and with emphasis
on environmental sustainability.
The Medium Term Agriculture Sector Investment Plan (METASIP) developed to implement FASDEP
II over the medium term 2011-2015 includes the following programmes:
Food security and emergency preparedness;
Improved growth in incomes;
Increased competitiveness and enhanced integration into domestic and international markets;
Sustainable management of land and environment; and
Science and technology applied in food and agriculture development
The modernisation of the project takes into
consideration sustainable scheme management
options and market for farm produce. The project
will ensure increase in productivity, improved
incomes and food security and increase
competitiveness on the market. At the same time,
the project will ensure sustainable utilization of
resources and sustainable land and environmental
management including through the use of more
efficient irrigation systems.
National Legal Framework
The Constitution of the
Republic of Ghana, 1992
The Constitution includes some provisions to protect the right of individuals to private property,
and also sets principles under which citizens may be deprived of their property in the public interest
(described in Articles 18 and 20). Article 18 provides that “Every person has the right to own
property either alone or in association with others.”
MoFA GCAP, being a government entity will ensure
that the project complies with relevant
constitutional provisions. The project land was
acquired through an executive instrument in 1975
and compensation paid to respective land owners.
Damage to any existing crops will receive
appropriate compensation payment in line with the
constitution.
The State Lands Act 1963, Act
125
The Act 125 vests the authority to acquire land for the public interest in the President of the
Republic. It also gives responsibility for registering a claim on the affected person or group of
persons, and provides details of the procedure to do this. The State Lands Act, 1962 provides some
details to be taken into consideration when calculating compensation such as definitions for (1)
cost of disturbance, (2) market value, (3) replacement value, and so on.
The 2000 ha land proposed for the project is part of
the land acquired by an executive instrument in
1975, which is a state land.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 13 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Act 1994, Act
490
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 1994 (Act 490) gives mandate to the Agency to
ensure compliance of all investments and undertakings with laid down Environmental Assessment
(EA) procedures in the planning and execution of development projects, including compliance in
respect of existing ones. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 490 Section 12 of 1994
confers enforcement and control powers on the EPA to compel existing companies to submit
environmental or pollution management plans on their operations as a management tool for
effective pollution control. The EPA is the responsible for issuing environmental permits for
operations such as this project subject to EPA review.
The part two of the EPA Act (Pesticides Control and Management) requires that any person who
wishes to use pesticides must register and obtain a license from the Agency.
The implementation of proposed farming project
will be in compliance with the Environmental
Assessment (EA) procedures for approval of the
EPA. An EPA permit will be obtained and the
permitted conditions complied with during project
implementation.
The proposed project will involve the use of
pesticides and the scheme manager to be selected
will ensure that the necessary EPA requirements are
met prior to purchase and use of pesticides at the
site.
Environmental Assessment
Regulations 1999, LI 1652
The Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999 (LI 1652) enjoins any proponent or person to
register an undertaking with the Agency and obtain an Environmental Permit prior to
commencement of the project. This regulation allows the EPA to place proposed undertakings at
the appropriate level of environmental assessment. The LI 1652 seeks to ensure that development
is undertaken in a sustainable environment.
The project is complying with LI 1652 through the
following:
i. The project has been registered with the EPA;
ii. An ESIS has been done for the project;
iii. EPA will issue a permit for the project upon
acceptance of the ESIS;
iv. The Scheme Manager will submit Annual Reports
to the EPA;
v. GCAP will pay statutory fees for the EPA permit;
vi. GCAP will visibly display their EPA permit at their
office/warehouse premises.
The Fees and Charges
(Amendment Instrument),
2015 (LI 2228)
The Fees and Charges (Amendment) Instrument 2015 (L.I. 2228) provides comprehensive rates,
fees and charges collectable by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), such as the
Environmental Protection Agency, for goods and services delivered to the public.
GCAP, in obtaining an environmental permit from
the EPA, will pay all necessary fees and charges as
prescribed by LI 2228
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 14 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Local Governance Act 2016,
Act 936
This Act replaces the Local Government Act 462. It establishes and regulates the local government
system and gives authority to the RCC and the District Assembly to exercise political and
administrative power in the Regions and District, provide guidance, give direction to, and supervise
all other administrative authorities in the regions and district respectively. The Assembly is
mandated to initiate programmes for the development of basic infrastructure and provide
municipal works and services as well as be responsible for the development, improvement and
management of human settlements and the environment in the district.
GCAP will work closely with the North Tongu District
Assembly in the development of the proposed
project
Ghana National Fire Service
Act 1997 (Act 537)
The Act re-establishes the National Fire Service to provide for the management of undesired fires
and to make provision for related matters. The objective of the Service is to prevent and manage
undesired fire. For the purpose of achieving its objective; the Service is to organise public fire
education programmes to create and sustain awareness of the hazards of fire, heighten the role of
the individual in the prevention of fire and provide technical advice for building plans in respect of
machinery and structural layouts to facilitate escape from fire, rescue operations and fire
management. The GNFS has a rural fire department responsible for the control and management
of bushfires.
This act requires GCAP/Scheme Manager to register
warehouses/workshops/office premises with the
GNFS who will provide services in the management
of all fire outbreaks. The GNFS is mandated to
create awareness and sensitization programmes on
fire prevention and control. The GNFS has been
consulted on the project and their concerns have
been captured. They have given their assurance to
assist to ensure that the project succeeds.
The Fire Precaution
(Premises) Regulations 2003,
LI 1724
The Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations 2003 (LI 1724) requires all premises intended for use as
workplaces to have Fire Certificates and confers enforcement powers on the Ghana National Fire
Service (GNFS) to demand a fire certificate for premises that are put to use as a place of work.
The Regulation requires GCAP/Scheme Manager to
obtain a Fire certificate for the operation of
warehouses/offices/shops associated with the
project
Factories, Offices and Shops
Act 1970, Act 328
The Factories, Offices and Shops Act of 1970 (Act 328), as amended by the Factories Offices and
Shops (Amendment) Law 1983 PNDCL 66, the Factories Offices and Shops (Amendment) Law 1991
PNDCL 275 s.1 (a), and the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537) requires all proponents
to register every factory/workplace with the Chief Inspector of Factories Inspectorate Division. The
Act requires all factories, offices and shops to among others, notify the Chief Inspector of accidents,
dangerous occurrences and industrial diseases, post in a prominent position in every factory the
prescribed abstract of the act and other notices and documentations, as well as outlines the
regulations to safeguard the health and safety of workers.
During the operational stage, GIDA/Scheme
Manager will register warehouses/offices/shops
associated with the project with the Factories
Inspectorate Department, post the abstract of the
act at a prominent place at the premises and notify
the Chief Inspector of any accidents, dangerous
occurrences and industrial diseases.
The Labour Act 2003, Act 651 Section 118(1) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) stipulates that it is the duty of an employer to
ensure that every worker employed works under satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions.
The proponent will ensure that the welfare of
workers and the safety and health of its workers are
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 15 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Act 651 contains a number of specific provisions relating to an employer’s duty of care to its
workers. These include providing and maintaining “at the workplace, plant and system of work that
are safe and without risk to health” and taking “steps to prevent contamination of the workplaces
by, and protect the workers from, toxic gases, noxious substances, vapours, dust, fumes, mists and
other substances or materials likely to cause risk to safety or health”.
A worker is required to report situations that he believes may pose “an imminent and serious
danger to his or her life, safety or health”.
protected through the provision of a safe working
environment and use of appropriate personal
protective gears. No underage persons or children
will be employed on the project.
Workmen’s Compensation
Law 1987
It is to provide for the payment of compensation to workmen for personal injuries caused by
accidents arising out and in the course of their employment. The tenets of the law places a large
share of the burden of supporting workers injured at the workplace on the shoulders of the
employers.
The proposed project has health and accident risks.
The Law enjoins GCAP/Scheme Manager as an
employer to ensure and be responsible for the
safety of its workers and reward compensation to
its workers for injuries arising in the course of work
in accordance with this Law.
Control of Bush Fires Law of
1983 (PNDCL 46)
It seeks to control the setting of bush fires by criminalizing the intentional, reckless, or negligent
causing of such fires and holding the offender liable for all consequences of the fire.
Bush fire is a risk to the proposed project and GCAP
and GIDA will be guided by these Laws to take lawful
action against any such offender. Control and Prevention of
Bushfire law, PNDCL 229
Section 2 defines “starting of a bushfire”. A person starts a bushfire if an action of that person
results in the uncontrolled burning of a farm, forest or grassland. The Chief Conservator of Forests
or the Chief Game and Wildlife Officer may authorize starting of fires by authorized officers in
Conservation Areas under section 4.
Lands Commission Act 2008,
Act 767
The Lands Commission Act 2008 re-establishes the Lands Commission to integrate the operations
of public service land institutions in order to secure effective and efficient land administration to
provide for related matters. The objectives of the Commission are to:
Promote the judicious use of land by the society and ensure that land use is in accordance with
sustainable management principles and the maintenance of a sound eco-system; and
Ensure that land development is effected in conformity with the nation’s development goals.
The proposed development is in line with the
objectives of the Commission for sustainable
development of land and conforms with the
development goals for the Accra Plains.
Office of the Administrator of
Stool Lands Act 1994, Act 481
The OASL Act 1994, Act 481 establishes the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands as enshrined
in Article 267 (2) of the 1992 Constitution and it is responsible for establishment of stool land
account for each stool, collection of rents and the disbursement of such revenues. The
Administrator is charged with the management of stool lands and in accordance with the provisions
The OASL will ensure that all ground rent from the
project land due traditional authorities are paid
according to the law.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 16 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
in the 1992 Constitution, 10% of the gross revenue goes to the Administrator of Stool Lands for
administrative expenses whilst the remainder is disbursed as follows:
25% to the stool through the traditional authority for the maintenance of the stool;
20% to the traditional authority;
55% to the District Assembly, within the area of authority of which the stool lands are situated.
Ghana Investment
Promotion Centre Act 1994,
Act 478
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act 1994 (Act 478) requires that every investor wishing
to invest in the country must in its appraisal of proposed investment projects or enterprises,
“…have regard to any effect the enterprise is likely to have on the environment and measures
proposed for the prevention and control of any harmful effects to the environment...”.
GCAP acknowledges that the proposed project has
environmental impacts and measures are being
taken to address the impacts including the
preparation of this ESIA.
Irrigation Development
Authority Act, 1977, SMCD
85
The Supreme Military Council Decree (SMCD) 85 of 1977 established the Ghana Irrigation
Development Authority (GIDA) to explore all water resources for livelihood options in agriculture
at appropriate scales for all communities and provides its functions which include formulating,
developing and implementing irrigation and drainage plans for all year round agriculture
production in Ghana.
GIDA will own the project on behalf of the State and
provide regulations to guide proper functioning and
management of all public irrigation facilities.
Water Resources
Commission (WRC) Act 1996,
Act 522
The Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522) establishes and mandates the Water
Resources Commission (WRC) as the sole agency responsible for the regulation and management
of the utilisation of water resources and for the co-ordination of any policy in relation to them.
Section 13 prohibits the use of water (divert, dam, store, abstract or use water resources or
construct or maintain any works for the use of water resources) without authority. Section 16
empowers the Commission to grant Water Rights (water use permits) to prospective users. The
Act states under Section 24 that any person who pollutes or fouls a water resource beyond the level
that the EPA may prescribe, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine or a term of
imprisonment or both.
The proposed project will involve irrigation,
depending on GIDA irrigation facilities which will be
rehabilitated and modernized during the project
construction phase. GIDA has obtained water use
rights from WRC.
Water Use Regulations 2001,
LI 1692
The Water Use Regulations 2001, LI 1692 prohibits the use of water resources without authority
from the Water Resources Commission. The Act provides under section 16 for any person to apply
to the Commission in writing for the grant of water right. The Regulations also prescribe the raw
water charges and processing fees to be paid by prospective water users with respect to the water
use permits. The Commission is also mandated to request for evidence that an environmental
GIDA has water use permit from WRC, and pay all
due charges and fees as prescribed by the Act.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 17 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
impact assessment or an environmental management plan has been approved by the EPA before
issuance of the Water Use Permit.
Plants and Fertilizer Act 2010
(Act 803)
The Act provides for the efficient conduct of plant protection to prevent the introduction and
spread of pests and diseases, to regulate imports and exports of plants and planting materials; the
regulation and monitoring of the exports, imports and commercial transaction in seeds and related
matters; and control and regulation of fertilizer trade.
The Plant Protection Regulatory Services Division
(PPRSD) of MoFA will ensure that all seeds/plant
materials are safe and also put in monitoring
mechanism to prevent the spread of pests and
diseases from the project site to other parts of the
country.
Town and Country Planning
Ordinance, 1945, CAP 84
The Town and Country Planning Act 1945, CAP 84 seeks to ensure the orderly and progressive
development of land, town and other areas whether urban or rural for conserving and developing
resources and to preserve and improve amenities thereof, and for related matters. It is the
principal legislation in force regulating the general planning and development of human
settlements.
The proposed area is a rural with agricultural as the
main occupation. The project area has been
designated for farming by the Town and Country
Planning Department (TCPD) of the North Tongu
District Assembly. The development is thus in
accord with the objectives of the district assembly.
National Building Regulation
1995, LI 1630
The National Building Regulations, LI 1630 provides guidance and standard to any person who
intends to erect any building; or make any structural alteration to any building; or executes any
works or installs any fittings in connection with any building. The process of obtaining a
development permit makes it contingent on the issuance of an environmental permit by the EPA.
All buildings to be constructed under the project will
be guided by this Act and a development/building
permit will be obtained from the North Tongu
District Assembly.
The Children’s Act 1998, Act
560
The Act spells out the rights of the child, quasi-judicial/judicial child adjudication, parentage
/custody/access/maintenance, fosterage/ adoption and employment of children issues. The Act
defines a child as a person below the age of 18 years. The minimum age for admission of a child to
employment is fifteen years and the minimum age for the engagement of a person in hazardous
work is eighteen years. No person shall engage a child in exploitative labour and labour is
exploitative of a child if it deprives the child of its health, education or development.
The development of the irrigation project will be
guided by this Act in the employment of labour for
the proposed project and will ensure all labour
engaged by the Contractors are not below the
minimum age.
Ghana Meteorological
Agency 2004, Act 687
This Act establishes the Ghana Meteorological Agency, which replaces the Meteorological Services
Department. The Agency is to provide meteorological information, advice, and warnings for the
benefit of agriculture, civil and military aviation among others to mitigate the effects of natural
disasters such as floods, storms and droughts on socio-economic development and projects. The
Agency is to provide accurate date on climatic data which are relevant for establishing climate
change trends.
GCAP and the design consultants will work closely
with the Ghana Meteorological Agency especially in
seeking meteorological information and advice for
project design and operation.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 18 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Alternative Dispute
Resolution Act 2010 (Act
798)
The purpose of the Act is to “……provide for the settlement of disputes by arbitration, mediation
and customary arbitration, to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre and to provide for
related matters." The Act further defines Alternative Dispute Resolution “as the collective
description of methods of resolving disputes otherwise than through the normal trial process”
(Section 135). The ADR Act covers both domestic and international arbitration in Ghana and the
enforcement of both domestic and foreign arbitral awards within the jurisdiction.
GCAP and the selected scheme manager will ensure
that the alternative dispute resolution option is
used to address disputes and conflicts instead of the
more expensive and time consuming legal court
system under this project.
Institutional Framework
Environmental Protection
Agency
The EPA is the body responsible for regulating the environment and ensuring the implementation
of government policies on the environment. The functions of the Agency include:
ensuring compliance with any laid down environmental impact assessment procedures in the
planning and execution of development projects, including compliance in the respect of existing
projects;
promoting effective planning in the management of the environment;
imposing and collecting environmental protection levies in accordance with the Environmental
Protection Agency Act 1994, Act 490 or regulations made under the Act; and
acting in liaison and co-operation with government agencies, District Assemblies and other
bodies and institutions to control pollution and generally protect the environment.
GCAP/GIDA will follow and abide by EPA
requirements and permit conditions in the
implementation of the project.
Water Resources
Commission (WRC)
WRC was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 522 of 1996) with the mandate to regulate and
manage Ghana's Water Resources and co-ordinate government policies in relation to them. The
Act stipulates that ownership and control of all water resources are vested in the President on
behalf of the people, and clearly defines the WRC as the overall body responsible for water
resources management in Ghana. The functions of the WRC as established under Act 522 among
other things are to:
Formulate and enforce policies in water resources conservation, development and management
in the country;
Coordinate the activities of the various agencies (public and private) in the development and
conservation of water resources;
Enforce, in collaboration with relevant agencies, measures to control water pollution; and
GCAP/GIDA will follow and abide by WRC
requirements and water use permit conditions.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 19 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Be responsible for appraising water resources development project proposals, both public and
private, before implementation.
Ghana Irrigation
Development Authority
(GIDA)
GIDA is a semi-autonomous agency of MOFA which was established by the Supreme Military
Council Decree 85 (SMCD) of 1977 to explore all water resources for livelihood options in
agriculture at appropriate scales for all communities. Its functions include formulating, developing
and implementing irrigation and drainage plans for all year round agriculture production, livestock
and fish culture in Ghana. Currently, its services and activities comprise:
Developing design standards for irrigation infrastructure;
Designing irrigation infrastructure and related facilities e.g. dams, ponds, and tube-wells,
conveyance structures;
Carrying out land-use planning in areas earmarked for irrigation development;
Providing public irrigation facilities;
Providing technical services for the development of irrigation facilities;
Providing technical and managerial services for effective use of irrigation facilities; and
Developing and disseminating adaptive irrigation technology.
GIDA will review and approve the irrigation designs
and provide technical advice on the designs and
ensure that adequate regulations exist for the
proper management of the scheme
Ministry of Food and
Agriculture (MOFA)
MOFA promotes sustainable agriculture and agribusiness through research and technology
development, effective extension and other support services to farmers, processors, and traders
for improved human livelihood. The Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II)
and the Medium Term Agricultural Sector Investment Plan (METASIP) seeks to guide development
and interventions in the agriculture sector. The revised policy (FASDEP II) emphasizes the
sustainable utilization of all resources and commercialization of activities in the sector with market-
driven growth in mind. Enhancement of productivity of the commodity value chain, through the
application of science and technology, with emphasis on environmental sustainability. The policy
also ensures consistency with national development objectives as specified in the Growth and
Poverty Reduction Strategy II (GPRS II).
MOFA is a major stakeholder of the project.
The Regional and District Departments of
Agriculture have the mandate of offering extension
services and support to ensure sustainability and
the successful implementation of the project
Local Government Authority The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Metropolitan /Municipal/District Assemblies
(MMDAs) are responsible for the overall development of the region and
metropolis/municipality/district respectively.
The project is located in the North Tongu District
and will be influenced by decisions and plans of the
Volta Regional Coordinating Council and the North
Tongu District Assembly. The Assembly will play key
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 20 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Acts 936 and 480, which established the current district assembly structure, designate the
District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assembly as the planning authority, charged with the overall
development of the district.
With regard to environmental management at the district level, the District Environmental
Management Committees (DEMC) has been set up by law (Act 936) to among other things:
promote and provide guidelines for the establishment of community level environmental
committees to put into effect the environmental programmes of the Assembly in the community;
and
Plan and recommend to the DA, strategies and activities for the improvement and protection of
the environment with emphasis on fragile and sensitive areas, river courses etc.
role in the successful implementation and related
activities of the project.
Lands Commission The Lands Commission was established by Article 258 of the 1992 Constitution and the Lands
Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767). The functions of the Lands Commission include amongst others;
advise the Government, local authorities and traditional authorities on the policy framework for
the development of particular areas of the country to ensure that the development of individual
pieces of land is coordinated with the relevant development plan for the area concerned;
ensure that through sound, sustainable land use planning, socio-economic activities are
consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long term national
development goals; and
promote community participation and public awareness at all levels in sustainable land
management and development practices to ensure the highest and best use of land.
The proposed site for the project is part of the
Torgorme Irrigation Scheme land which is a public
land and the management of such state acquired
lands is under the jurisdiction of the Public and
Vested Lands Management Division of the Lands
Commission.
Volta River Authority The core business of VRA is to generate electrical energy for industrial, commercial and domestic
use in Ghana. VRA operates the Akosombo and Kpong Hydroelectric Dams.
The project will take water from the Kpong Dam and
VRA and the Scheme Management Entity(SME) will
collaborate to ensure that abstraction of water
from the dam does not endanger water levels
required for electricity generation. GCAP and GIDA
have fully briefed the VRA on the planned
rehabilitation and modernization works on the
KLBIP.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 21 January 2018.
Policy/Legal/Institutional
Framework
Key Requirements/Objective
Applicability/Relevance to Undertaking/Project
Traditional Authorities In Ghana, people of common descent owe allegiance to a symbol of collective authority, such as
the ‘stool’ for the Akans of southern Ghana or the ‘skin’ for the northern peoples. Traditional
authorities play a role in the administration of the area. At the village level, family and land disputes
and development issues are also traditionally dealt with by the village chief and elders.
In addition to providing an important leadership role, especially in the more rural areas, chiefs act
as custodians of stool/skin land, can mobilise their people for developmental efforts and arbitrate
in the resolution of local disputes. Although chiefs have no direct political authority, some are
appointed by the Government on District Assemblies.
The Torgorme Traditional Council is a key
stakeholder to the project and GCAP/GIDA/SS will
work closely with the Council.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 22 January 2018.
2.2 Relevant Environmental Quality Guidelines
The guideline provides for permissible levels for ambient air quality, noise levels and effluent quality
guidelines for discharge into natural water bodies. The environmental guidelines issued in 1997 include:
National Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (NAAQG);
National Ambient Noise Level Guidelines (NANLG); and
National Effluent Quality Discharge Guidelines (NEQDG).
Refer to Annex 11 for the NAAQG, NANLG and NEQDG.
2.3 Relevant Legal Approvals - Permit/Licences/Certificates
The relevant approvals required for the implementation of the Project are summarized in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2: Key Regulatory Approvals
Regulatory
body
Permits/licenses
and certificates
Applicable Project Phase Remarks /Status
Environmental
Protection
Agency
Environmental
Permit
Yes Prior to Construction
Phase
After acceptance of final
ESIS by the EPA.
Environmental
Certificate
Yes Within 18 to 24 months
of commencement of
Operations
After preparation of first
ESMP. Renewable every
three years
Water
Resources
Commission
Water Use Permit Yes Agricultural
Development and
Operational Phase
-Renewal of water use
permit every three years
Lands
Commission
Land acquisition Yes Planning, during
acquisition of land
The land was acquired
through an Executive
Instrument (EI) 162 of
1975.
Ghana
National Fire
Service
Fire Permit/
Certificate
Yes Construction of office
buildings/ facilities
Renewable on annual basis
North Tongu
District
Assembly
Development and
building approvals
(for office
buildings/
facilities
Yes Prior to construction of
facilities
-
Factories
Inspectorate
Department
Certificate of
Registration
Yes Construction, and
Agricultural
Development and
Operational phase.
During construction of
office, warehouse/
storage units or
processing facilities
Renewable on annual basis
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 23 January 2018.
2.4 Relevant International Safeguard Policies- World Bank Safeguard Policies
The World Bank (WB) has published policies/procedures to guide the safe development of projects it is
funding. Among the ten (10) WB Safeguards Policies, two (2) – OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment and
OP 4.09 Pest Management – are triggered by the proposed project. OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement
is not triggered as the project communities are maintained and incorporated into the scheme.
A summary of the World Bank Safeguard policies and how they are related to the project is provided in
Table 2-3.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 24 January 2018.
Table 2-3: Summary of World Bank Safeguard Policies and its relation to the proposed Project
No. World Bank Safeguard
Policy
Summary of core requirements Potential for Trigger
under proposed
project
Remarks or recommendation for proposed
project
1 OP 4.01 Environmental
Assessment
Requires environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for
Bank financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound
and sustainable, and thus to improve decision making. The EA takes
into account the natural environment (air, water, and land); human
health and safety; social aspects (involuntary resettlement,
indigenous peoples, and physical cultural resources); and
transboundary and global environmental aspects. It categorizes
proposed projects into categories A, B, C or FI based on the extent of
adverse impacts anticipated from the project.
Triggered The proposed project falls in Category A, thus
an ESIA is required.
2 OP 4.04: Natural
Habitats
Do not finance projects that degrade or convert critical habitats.
Support projects that affect non- critical habitats only if no
alternatives are available and if acceptable mitigation measures are
in place.
The policy strictly limits the circumstances under which any Bank-
supported project can damage natural habitats (land and water areas
where most of the native plant and animal species are still present).
Not triggered Project locations and design will not affect any
critical habitats.
3 OP 4.09 Pest
Management
Support integrated approaches to pest management, Identify
pesticides that may be financed under the project and develop
appropriate pest management plan to address this.
Triggered GCAP prepared a Pest Management Plan
(PMP) in 2011 to guide its programs, including
this project.
4 OP 4.36: Forest
Aim is to reduce deforestation, enhance the environmental
contribution of forested areas, promote afforestation, reduce
poverty, and encourage economic development.
Support sustainable and conservation oriented forestry. Do not
finance projects that involve significant conversion or degradation of
critical forest areas.
Not triggered Project location and design will not affect any
forest reserves.
5 OP 4.11: Physical
Cultural Resources
Investigate and inventorise cultural resources potentially affected.
Include mitigation measures when there are adverse impacts on
physical cultural resources or avoid if possible
Not triggered The project will not affect any culturally
sensitive sites.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 25 January 2018.
No. World Bank Safeguard
Policy
Summary of core requirements Potential for Trigger
under proposed
project
Remarks or recommendation for proposed
project
6 OP 4.12: Involuntary
Resettlement
Assist displaced persons in their effort to improve or at least restore
their standards of living. Avoid resettlement where feasible or
minimise. Displaced persons should share in project profits.
The policy aims to avoid involuntary resettlement to the extent
feasible, or to minimize and mitigate its adverse social and economic
impacts.
The policy prescribes compensation and other resettlement
measures to achieve its objectives and requires that borrowers
prepare adequate resettlement planning instruments prior to Bank
appraisal of proposed projects.
Not triggered The proposed project will not result in the
resettlement of any community. The Nakpoe,
Akpagokope, Gblornu, Kasa and Ziakpoe
communities located within the scheme have
been maintained and incorporated into the
scheme.
7 OP 4.10: Indigenous
Peoples
Screen to determine presence of indigenous peoples in project area.
Policy triggered whether potential impacts are positive or negative.
Design mitigation measures and benefits that reflect indigenous
peoples’ cultural preferences.
Not triggered No indigenous groups have been identified
8 OP 4.37: Safety of Dams
Requires that experienced and competent professionals design and
supervise construction, and that the borrower adopts and
implements dam safety measures through the project cycle.
The policy distinguishes between small and large dams by defining
small dams as those normally less than 15 meters in height. Large
dams are 15 meters or more in height.
Not triggered The proposed project does not involve the
construction of dams.
The VRA which manages the dam from which
the scheme derives water has robust dam
safety measures in place including regular
inspection of the dam by a team of
independent international consultants. A dam
safety report has recently been prepared by
the VRA.
9 OP 7.50: Projects on
International
Waterways
Ascertain whether riparian agreements are in place, and ensure that
riparian states are informed of and do not object to project
interventions.
Not triggered The proposed project falls within the lower
Volta Basin, which is in Ghana and falls under
the sole jurisdiction of the Ghana Government.
10 OP 7.60: Projects in
Disputed Areas
Ensure that claimants to disputed areas have no objection to
proposed project.
Not triggered The project area is not under any litigation and
is not a known disputed area.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 26 January 2018.
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
3.1 Project Location
The Project area is situated in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, downstream of the Kpong
Hydroelectric Reservoir, starting from the gravelled Juapong road to the Torgorme feeder road, and
stretching 8 km along two tributaries of the Volta River, the Gblor and Nyifla Rivers. Geographically, the
area is located between latitudes 6° 05.5′ North and 6° 09′ North, and longitudes 0° 07′ East and 0°13′
East. On average, it is situated at an elevation of 15 masl. It is located in the main Volta basin. The map of
the KLBIP and the boundary of the government acquired land is shown in Figure 3-1.
3.2 Project Background
The Kpong Hydroelectric Power Generating Dam (KHPGD) was built on Volta River between 1977 and
1982. It is located about 24 km downstream of Akosombo Dam and located approximately 80 km from
Accra. At the time of construction of the Akosombo Dam, the Government of Ghana contemplated
utilizing the irrigation potential created in the areas situated on both sides of River Volta just downstream
of the Akosombo Dam.
In 1961 irrigation potential surveys of the alluvial plains of the lower Volta River were carried out by the
FAO with funding from the UNDP which led to the identification of several irrigation schemes, one of
which was the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Scheme.
Following the construction of the Kpong Hydroelectric Power Generating Dam (KHPGD) in 1982, the
Government of Ghana reassessed the irrigation potential of the project area through various pre-
feasibility and feasibility studies.
Initially, Acres International, a Canadian consulting firm, carried out pre-feasibility studies on the project
in 1986. Further studies were conducted by Sir Mott MacDonalds of the UK in 1989 and finally a full
feasibility study was carried out by SNC-Lavalin in 2010 to establish a potential gravity fed irrigation area
of 2000 ha. The outcome of this detailed study gave birth to the KLBIP. Out of the potential 2000 ha gravity
fed irrigable area, only 500 ha is currently developed.
Construction works on the gravity and piped scheme were started in January 2011 under the Millennium
Challenge Account (MCA) Ghana Programme administered through the Millennium Development
Authority (MIDA). The timeframe allocated for works on the gravity scheme proved inadequate, as result
of which it could not be completed under the MCA programme.
The existing gravity irrigation scheme on the Kpong left bank covers a command area of approximately
500 hectares. In addition to this, there is a pumping station and water pipeline running parallel to the
main canal. This pipeline supplies bulk water from the canal intake to Vegpro Ghana Ltd., a commercial
farmer who plans to operate 12 center-pivot irrigation systems on 1,070 hectares of land lying outside
the gravity commanded area.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 27 January 2018.
Figure 3-1: Map showing the proposed layout Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project Area and proposed irrigation blocks
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 28 January 2018.
3.3 Existing State of the KLBIP
The KLBIP has two components: (i) the Main Works of the Kpong Left Bank (Togorme) Irrigation Project
(KLBIP) and the Additional Works of the Kpong Piped Irrigation Water Supply (KPIWS) which mainly
services the centre pivot irrigation system established by Vegpro Ghana Limited, an anchor farmer that
produces baby corn for export.
3.3.1 MIDA Funded Gravity Irrigation System – Torgome Irrigation Scheme
This is about 500 ha out of a potential 2000 ha of the main KLBIP that was funded under the MCA by
MIDA. It is a gravity fed irrigation system and consists of a Supply Canal (SC) of approximately 3.5 km
originating from the intake and lined with geo-cells filled with concrete. The Supply Canal crosses the
Juapong-Togorme road and goes up till the Bifurcator, where it branches into two Main Canals namely
Main Canal-1 (3.368 km) and Main Canal-2 (4.431 km) lined with geo-cells and filled with concrete. The
total length of secondary canals and tertiary canals is 9.725 and 14.426 km respectively. Table 3-1 shows
the existing irrigation and drainage infrastructure for the KLBIP- Torgome Irrigation Scheme.
Other irrigation structures provided include Cross regulators, Head regulators, Drop structures, Drainage
Culverts, Turnouts, Tail Escape, and Siphons etc. The two Main Canals are fully lined up to their ends. The
secondary, tertiary and quaternary canals are, however, unlined earthen canals. These earthen channels
have gradually silted up and there is heavy growth of vegetation due to lack of maintenance. Secondary
canals originating from Main Canal 2 have silted up due to bank and side erosion. Check structures located
on these secondary canals have been bypassed through gradual scouring and erosion of side slopes. These
structures need to be rehabilitated and proper side slope protection must be provided. Measures to
prevent canal bank erosion are also required to be provided.
The Command Area of the scheme is not developed at all and is not being used for farming. In a few
places, small patches of land are being cultivated with vegetables (such as Brinjal and Okra) and other
crops (such as pepper) using drip irrigation systems. These systems are withdrawing water by temporarily
pumping from the Main Canals. There is a need for detailed planning and development of on-farm
development works to utilise the irrigation infrastructure in place.
The drainage system consists of a main cut off drain (7.406 km), Culvert outfall drains (2.565 km),
secondary drains (15.46 km) and tertiary drains (11.808 km). Besides these, tertiary canal outfall drains
and Gblor and Nyifla Drain (Excavated) have also been provided. Field drainage channels, where visible,
have silted up, vegetated and are in poor condition.
Table 3-1: Existing Irrigation and Drainage Infrastructure at KLBIP-Torgome Irrigation System
Item Description of Structure Units Quantity
1 Supply Canal –lined with geo-cell M 3,535
2 Main canal 1–lined with geo-cell M 3,368
3 Main canal 2–lined with geo-cell M 4,431
4 Secondary canals M 9,725
5 Tertiary canals M 14,426
6 Cross regulator No 1
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 29 January 2018.
Item Description of Structure Units Quantity
7 Drop structures No 85
8 Drainage Culvert No 7
9 Turnouts No 174
10 Tail Escape No 23
11 Siphon No 2
12 Division Box No 41
13 Bifurcator No 1
14 Head Gate No 16
15 Check gate No 12
16 Cross Regulator No 1
17 Nyifla Crossings No 2
18 Irish Crossings No 1
19 Nyifla/Alabonu Crossing No
20 Rubble Road No 1
21 Drains (Total) M 47,038
21.1 Cut-off drain M 7,406
21.2 Culvert outfall drains M 2,565
21.3 Secondary drains M 15,460
21.4 Tertiary drains M 11,808
21.5 Tertiary canal outfall drains M 587
21.6 Gblor Drain M 375
21.7 Nyifla Drain (Excavated) M 7,837
3.3.2 The Kpong Piped Irrigation Water Supply (KPIWS)
The KPIWS is a center pivot sprinkler irrigation scheme which is being implemented by Vegpro (Ghana) in
phases. It has installed 5 Center Pivot irrigators on an area of 400 ha of land adjacent to the project
area to cultivate baby corn. Each centre pivot services an area of 64 ha. A 58 m long Supply Canal has been
provided with concrete filled geo-cell membrane lining. A functioning intake–cum–pumping station is
located on the Supply Canal just after the escape. Water is presently being pumped to the Vegpro farms
from this pumping station. There are four pumps (2 working + 2 standby) fitted with electronic controls.
Vegpro farms are currently being supplied with piped water from the pumping station near the main
Intake. No water is presently being pumped from the Main Canal 1 (MC1) by Vegpro. The existing
infrastructure for the KPIWS is shown in Table 3-2.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 30 January 2018.
Table 3-2: Existing Infrastructure at KPIWS
Item Description of Structure Quantity
1 Irrigation Intake Gate 1 no
2 Supply Canal with concrete filled geo-cell membrane lining 58 m
3 Pump Sump on the RHS of the Supply Canal with gate 1 no
4 Pumps Submersible Pumps (106 kW, 225 m3/hr at 107.5 m) 4 no
5 Control panels for the submersible pumps 4 no
Power supply
6 11kV transmission line 340 m
7 365/405 kW Generator Set 1 no
8 11/0.415 kV 600 kVA Transformer 1 no
Pipeline
9 Pipeline Class PN16 (HDPE) 400 mm diam 1.8 km
10 Pipeline Class PN10 (HDPE) 400 mm diam 4.3 km
Accessories
11 400 mm Ø Steel Manifold 1 no
12 200 mm Ø Butterfly Valves 4 no
13 400 mm Ø Butterfly Valves 1 no
14 200 mm Ø Non-return Valves 4 no
15 Air Valves 5 no
16 150 mm Ø Pressure Relief Valves 2 no
17 Wash out Valve Chambers with 400 mm Ø gate valve 2 no
18 Wash out Valve Chambers with 250 mm Ø gate valve 2 no
19 Guard House/ Pump control room 1 no
20 Generator Shed 1 no
3.4 The New Scheme Facilities and Activities under the GCAP Intervention
The current GCAP/GIDA works on the scheme aim to rehabilitate, modernize and expand the project by
additional 1500 ha, thereby bringing the total irrigable area to the scheme’s potential 2000 ha. The main
components of the project are:
Rehabilitation and improvement of existing canal networks;
Construction of new canal networks in extension area;
Procurement and installation of instrumentation for automated canal operation and control;
Procurement and installation of instrumentation for automated water measurement and billing;
Construction of a new drainage system for the project area including flood protection works;
On-farm development works including clearing, land levelling and grading of fields;
Improvement of access roads within the project area;
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 31 January 2018.
Construction of ancillary infrastructure such as drying floors, warehouses and packing sheds.
The map existing layout as well as the and proposed project layout, showing the arrangement and relative
location of all project physical component are presented as Annex 3.
3.4.1 Project Design
The proposed scheme design is based on a demand-based distribution concept, as opposed to the existing
supply-based concept, since sufficient water is available throughout the year for the entire 2000ha
command area.
The irrigation system is designed for a canal duty of 1.86 l/s/ha, and consists of the Supply and Main canals
(lined), secondary and tertiary canals (lined) and quaternary canals (unlined). The Supply and Main Canals
shall directly feed secondary, tertiary and quaternary canals depending upon local topography, as
indicated in the project layout. Secondary canals will feed both tertiary and quaternary canals, while
tertiary canals will feed only quaternary canals.
The entire command area has been partitioned into blocks of sizes between 15 and 28 hectares. Each
block shall be further divided into sub-blocks, i.e. individual fields. Each unlined quaternary canal shall
serve a single block, and distribute water to fields in sub-blocks on a rotational basis. The remaining
system shall be operated on a demand basis, wherein demands for every block shall be ascertained ten
days in advance and compiled for each head regulator.
Under the proposed design, the Supply and Main Canals shall be operated using automatic supervisory
control. Releases into these canals and canals off-taking from these canals will be regulated from a Master
Control Center (MCC) using automated gate technology. The rest of the water distribution system shall
be manually operated. Supplies into tertiary and quaternary canals will be regulated using proportional
flow distributors and open flume modules, respectively. These structures will have stop-log gate grooves
for regulating supplies.
3.4.2 Modernization of Irrigation Scheme
A demand-based operation is proposed for a more efficient operation of the irrigation scheme. A demand-
based system allows water to be made available at the right place, in the right quantity and at the right
time.
Considering the relatively small dimensions of the KLBIP canal system, availability of sufficient water
supply and other such factors, Constant Volume Control is proposed for canal operation in the KLBIP. This
method of operation shifts the control from a supply-based system to a demand-based system. It is a
better method of operation and does not require sophisticated control algorithms and expensive
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, rather a control system with good
communication facilities.
Constant volume control is based on maintaining a relatively constant volume of water in each canal pool
at all times. This causes the water surface to pivot about a point near to the center of the pool as the
discharge changes from one steady-state to another. Sometimes this method is called “simultaneous
operation” because the simultaneous gate operating technique must be used to keep the pool volume
constant.
The requirement of simultaneous adjustment of all control structures makes local manual control
practically infeasible. Therefore, supervisory control is the primary control method used for constant
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 32 January 2018.
volume operation. Using supervisory control, all control structures can be adjusted simultaneously from
the control center, either via manual commands to the computer or automatically.
In order to accommodate the zero-flow water surface, additional canal bank and lining height is required
at the downstream half of each pool, as compared to a normal conventional canal bank. However, the
increase required is only about half as that required in level bank operation (upstream level control).
The main advantage of the constant volume method of operation is that it provides the ability to quickly
change the flow conditions in the entire canal system, and provides canal operators with a lower response
time to changes in downstream demand.
Since the water distribution to various blocks will be on a rotational basis, all head regulators will not be
operating at any given time. This will help to use water stored in the canal pools for delivery under
demand. The volume of water stored in each reach will be sufficient for mitigating immediate demands.
The SCADA software and control algorithms required for Constant Volume operation will be relatively
easy, and will not complicate the overall dynamics of the canal system. This will also reduce the fine-
tuning time considerably during the installation and commissioning phase.
If required in the future, the system will also be upgradable to Controlled Volume Control (Dynamic
Regulation) by commissioning special studies and effecting changes in SCADA software. The basic
instrumentation and communication systems shall, however, remain the same.
3.4.3 Instrumentation for Modernization of Irrigation Scheme
The following instrumentation setup is proposed for modernization of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation
Scheme:
Establishment of a Master Control Center with Industrial-Grade Programmable Controller, GSM/GPRS
Modem, Server, LCD display and other paraphernalia for implementation of SCADA-based canal
control.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) operated solar-powered gate control and measurement devices at cross-
regulators and head-regulators on the main canals and head-regulators on secondary canals, to
enable real-time automated flow control. This is necessary for proper water management, which
entails supplying water at the proper time, at the required rate and in the appropriate quantity.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) operated solar-powered ultrasonic level sensors at all automated control
structures and non-automated quaternary canal offtakes (WUA outlets) for measurement of
instantaneous discharge rates. Measurement of instantaneous discharge and cumulative discharge is
essential for controlling the discharge through the structure and for monitoring the water consumed
by each WUA. The latter function will help in water auditing and optimizing canal operation. It will
also enable in assessing the condition of the canal system for maintenance purposes.
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler devices at the head of the Supply Canal (i.e. irrigation outlet) and
pumping stations on canals for measurement of instantaneous discharge rates.
3.4.4 Rehabilitation and Improvement of Existing Scheme
Considering the constraints imposed by the supply and main canals in the existing scheme, the height of
existing canal lining be raised significantly to pool water and achieve the required full supply levels in the
Supply Canal, Main Canals and SC-S01.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 33 January 2018.
Crest levels of existing cross-regulators, head-regulators will not change. However, wing walls of these
structures and their gate mechanisms will be raised to accommodate the raising of canal lining and canal
banks corresponding to the recommended level of pooling.
Raising of canal banks and lining is proposed for the Supply Canal, Main Canal 1, Main Canal 2 and
Secondary Canal SC-S01.
The re-design of the canals will enable inclusion of areas under M/s. AquaPrima in the scheme’s gravity
command, as most of these areas are high in elevation compared to full supply levels of existing canals.
Canal pooling, as recommended, will also be compatible with the Constant Volume method of canal
operation and will allow the existing Supply Canal, Main Canals and SC-S01 to be controlled using the
proposed SCADA system.
Existing lined canals are proposed to be rehabilitated by installation of pressure reducing valves along the
canal sides and canal bed. Pressure reducing valves are one-way valves which prevent the build-up of
pore pressure behind the canal lining and thereby obviate cracking and bulging of the lining. Existing
cracks in lining are repairable and do not impair channel functionality. These cracks will be filled with
suitable sealing compounds.
Secondary canals in the existing scheme are proposed to be re-designed as lined channels to improve
irrigation efficiency and to reduce the cost of maintenance. Existing structures along secondary canals,
such as division boxes and drops, will be removed and replaced with new structures wherever required.
To make the micro-irrigation system of the existing scheme consistent with the design concept, existing
tertiary canals and their associated structures will be removed. The new design proposes re-partitioning
of the command area and provision of quaternary canals off-taking from main and secondary canals to
serve newly constituted blocks. Automated head gates are proposed at locations where quaternaries off-
take from the Supply/Main Canals/SC-S01, and open flume modules (with flow measuring devices) are
proposed at other quaternary off-take points.
To command land under AquaPrima, it is proposed to construct tertiary and quaternary canals off-taking
from the Supply Canal and Main Canal 2. Due to pooling of water, no changes in cross-section will be
required to accommodate these proposed canals.
3.4.5 Extension of Irrigation Scheme
The shape of the project command area is elongated and broadly inverted cup-shaped. To command such
type of area, extensions to existing main canals have been aligned to follow contours along both
extremities of the project area. This ensures full coverage and maximization of gross command area. Care
has been taken to exclude existing village communities from the scheme command and maintain a
minimum buffer distance of 25m between all canals and village habitations.
Main Canal (MC) 1 -Ext: The new design proposes to extend MC1 by 11.04 km to serve an additional Gross
Command Area (GCA) of 727ha. Twenty direct quaternary outlets and two secondary canals are proposed
along this extended length of Main Canal 1.
Main Canal (MC) 2-Ext: MC2 is proposed to be extended by 5.26 km to serve an additional GCA of 569ha.
Twelve direct quaternary outlets, one tertiary canal and two secondary canals are proposed along this
extended length of MC2.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 34 January 2018.
Main Canal 2 extension has been aligned to pass around and between the center-pivot sprinkler irrigation
systems installed by Anyako Farms. Two (2) pump sumps will be provided on either side of Main Canal 2
(MC2-EXT) for Anyako’s center-pivot sprinkler irrigation systems.
Extensions of the main canals have been designed on the concept of constant volume operation and
control. As explained earlier, in this concept the volume of each canal pool is maintained constant by
simultaneous operation of cross regulators. Accordingly, the lower half of each main canal reach has been
provided with a level (horizontal) bank. Pressure reducing valves will be provided in the lining of main and
secondary canals in the extension area to release excess pore water pressure.
Table 3-3 summarizes the entire network (existing & extension) up to the tertiary level with Gross
Command Area (GCA), Cultivable Command Area (CCA) and Design Discharge (Q) data for each canal.
Table 3-3: Summary of KLBIP Canal System Design
No. Name of Canal O/T Ch.(m)
Parent Canal
GCA (ha) CCA (ha) Q (m3/s)
No. of Blocks
Supply Canal (SC)
1. SC-S01/S01A 691 SC 91.761 84.879 0.1578 4
2. SC-TC1 1040 SC 115.205 106.565 0.1981 7 New
3. SC-QC1 2389 SC 22.239 20.571 0.0383 1 New
Total (SC) 229.205 212.015 0.3942 12
Main Canal-1 (MC1)
A Main Canal-1-Existing (MC1-EXIST)
1 MC1-EXIST-S01 923 MC1-EXIST 10.429 9.647 0.0179 1
2 MC1-EXIST-S02 1537 MC1-EXIST 23.807 22.021 0.0410 1
3 MC1-EXIST-S03 2531 MC1-EXIST 23.779 21.996 0.0409 1
4 MC1-EXIST-S04 3352 MC1-EXIST 60.368 55.840 0.1039 3
Sub-Total (A) 118.383 109.504 0.2037 6
B Main Canal-1-Extension (MC1-EXT)
1 MC1-EXT MC1-EXT 356.377 329.651 0.6132 20 New
2 MC1-SC1 3895 MC1-EXT 204.855 189.491 0.3524 11 New
(i) MC1-SC1-TC1 3110 MC1-SC1 60.135 55.624 0.1103 3 New
Sub-Total (SC1) 264.990 245.115 0.4627 14
3 MC1-SC2 6116 MC1-EXT 49.636 45.913 0.0854 3 New
(i) MC1-SC2-TC1 116 MC1-SC2 55.955 51.759 0.0962 3 New
Sub-Total (SC2) 105.591 97.672 0.1816 6
Sub-Total (B) 726.958 672.438 1.2575 40
Total (MC1-EXIST + MC1-EXT) 845.341 781.942 1.4612 46
MAIN CANAL-2
A Main Canal-2 Existing (MC2-EXIST)
1 B-TC1 Canal 3535 SC 36.830 34.067 0.0633 2 New
2 B-TC2 Canal 3535 SC 35.998 33.299 0.0619 2 New
3 MC2-EXIST-TC1 1039 MC2-EXIST 96.345 89.120 0.1657 5 New
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 35 January 2018.
3.4.6 Operation of the Irrigation Scheme
At the beginning of each cropping season, water requirement schedule will be passed on to the scheme
operator by each Water User Association (WUA). This schedule will provide information on the tentative
dates on which water is required and the discharge rates required by each WUA.
The water requirement schedule will be programmed into the SCADA system for computation of the
water delivery schedule. The water delivery schedule will be computed according to programmed set of
instructions. The Master SCADA will calculate the discharge requirements at each of the head-regulators
and cross-regulators considering all downstream requirements. It will also consider the propagation
delays to avoid shortages and excesses. This will be one of the major tasks of the SCADA system.
Changes in water requirements will be communicated by the WUAs as per standardized reporting
procedures, at least 24 hours in advance. The water requirement schedule will be updated and the water
delivery will be re-scheduled on real-time basis. Water schedule as communicated by the WUAs and other
water users will be programed in such a format that it can be modified any time as per modified
requirements before the commencement of any rotational water delivery cycle. Only authorized
personnel will be allowed to modify this very vital data. In normal operation mode, the system operators
will just have to monitor the operation.
Pre-programmed data will be passed to the field stations as per the water delivery schedule, to commence
operation on real-time basis. These commands will transmitted to individual field stations using GPRS
technology. Acknowledgement from field stations will confirm message delivery.
At the field station level, the discharge data received from the MCC will be used in a local closed-loop
system to operate the local control to maintain and deliver the stipulated discharge. Once the field station
4 MC2-EXIST-QC 1321 MC2-EXIST 51.776 47.892 0.0890 2 New
5 MC2-EXIST-S01 1648 MC2-EXIST 36.756 33.999 0.0632 2
6 MC2-EXIST-S01A 1986 MC2-EXIST 41.717 38.588 0.0718 2
7 MC2-EXIST-S02 1986 MC2-EXIST 69.114 64.058 0.1190 3
8 MC2-EXIST-S03 2964 MC2-EXIST 37.037 34.259 0.0637 2
9 MC2-EXIST-S04 3914 MC2-EXIST 61.823 57.186 0.1064 3
10 MC2-EXIST-S05 4407 MC2-EXIST 35.182 32.543 0.0606 2
11 MC2-EXIST-S06 4414 MC2-EXIST 49.445 45.737 0.0850 2
Sub-Total (A) 552.023 510.748 0.9496 27
B Main Canal-2 Extension (MC2-EXT)
1 MC2-EXT - MC2-EXT 289.825 274.810 0.5524 12 New
2 MC2-EXT-TC1 810 MC2-EXT 32.617 30.170 0.0625 2 New
3 MC2-EXT-SC1 2127 MC2-EXT 128.855 119.191 0.2216 6 New
4 MC2-EXT-SC2 2758 MC2-EXT 117.445 108.637 0.2021 6 New
Sub-Total (B) 568.742 532.808 1.0386 26
Total (MC2-EXIST + MC2-EXT) 1120.765 1043.556 1.9882 53
Total (KLBIP) 2195.311 2037.513 3.8436 111
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 36 January 2018.
receives the discharge value, its RTU will calculate the required gate opening considering the upstream
water level, downstream water level and using the pre-calibrated coefficient of discharge. It will then
issue commands to operate the gate to achieve that level. At the steady state condition, the RTU will
compute the discharge every minute considering real-time values. The cumulative discharge will be
updated every minute. Any disturbance in the steady state condition, will change the actual discharge. If
this discharge differs from the stipulated discharge by more than the predefined hysteresis, the RTU will
issue instructions to operate the gate to re-establish and maintain the proper discharge. The proper
hysteresis will be provided in order to avoid shunting of the gate. The above operation will be carried out
by motorized gates at selected head and cross-regulators.
3.4.7 Drainage Infrastructure
Field, tertiary, secondary and primary drains in the existing scheme have silted up and overgrown with
weeds due to lack of maintenance. As a result, most of these drains have lost their cross-sectional shape
and drainage function. Almost all pipe drain culverts have silted up over time as a result of which their
passageway is constricted. The main drains, Nyifla and Gblor, are heavily vegetated in several sections. At
some sections, the water course is undefined.
Functioning components of the drainage system include syphon crossings over the Supply Canal (for
Gblor) and over Main Canal-1 (for Nyifla), and box culverts under the Supply and Main Canals.
The drainage system will be re-designed. The works to be carried out include excavation of field drains,
collector drains and main drains. Outlet pipes will also be installed across the Nyifla dykes. Flood
protection works, involving filling and compaction of dykes on both banks of Nyifla will be carried out.
3.4.8 Land Development Works
The land development works under the project will involve clearing of vegetation, removal of stumps and
land levelling and grading for the about 1,500 ha new additional area. The existing 500 ha will receive
improvement through levelling and grading.
3.4.9 Road Infrastructure
The existing approach road to the project area runs from the Vegpro junction on the Juapong-Togorme
Feeder Road to the Bifurcator at the tail end of the Supply Canal. This road has a very poor shape and
section. Its surface becomes worse during the rainy season making it impassable for two-wheel drive
vehicles. The condition of this road is a major issue for project stakeholders. Since this is the only road
leading into the irrigation scheme, it will be upgraded to a dual-lane all-weather road.
Communities in the project area utilize various pathways for accessing their villages. These include
pathways around Sokope and Nakpoe villages, and a pathway running along Gblornu, Ziakpoe, Kasa, to
Alabonu and beyond up to Freshfields Farms. These pathways are essential for connectivity to the villages.
These will also be upgraded to dual-lane all-weather roads.
In addition to the above, the supply, main, secondary and tertiary canals will have inspection roads
running continuously on their inspection banks. These roads will be open for public use and will provide
connectivity to various irrigation blocks in the scheme.
To enable farmers to access their farms, simple farm roads will be provided within each irrigation block.
Table 3-4 summarizes the types of roads included in the scheme design.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 37 January 2018.
Table 3-4: Road Network Details
S.No. Type of Road Location Length (m) Width (m)
1. Approach Road From Juapong-Togorme Feeder to Bifurcator 2600 7.5
2. Village Roads
(a) From Togorme village to existing Main Canal-2 2600 7.5
(b) From MC2-TC5 tail end passing around Sokope, Nyifla Lake and through Nakpoe up to VRB on MC2-TC9
5000 7.5
(c) From VRB on MC2-TC9 running along Gblornu, Ziakpoe, Kasa up to end of command area near Fresh Fields Farms
7800 7.5
3. Canal Inspection Roads
Along Supply Canal 3535 4.0
Along Main Canals 24109 4.0
Along Secondary and Tertiary Canals 18489 4.0
4. Farm Roads Within irrigation blocks; running along lateral alignments 120592 3.5
Total Length of Roads in the Irrigation Scheme (m) 184,725m -
Total Length of Roads in the Irrigation Scheme (km) 185 km -
3.4.10 Ancillary Infrastructure and Miscellaneous Works
The ancillary infrastructure to be provided will include drying floors, warehouses, sheds, etc. The
miscellaneous works will include construction of well-furnished offices for consultant(s) and contractor(s),
rehabilitation of a materials testing laboratory and provision of electricity, water and sanitation facilities
on site.
3.4.11 Estimates of Construction Material and Sourcing
There are existing borrow pits and gravel pits located close to the project area from which material may
be sourced for construction works. These pits were created during the construction of the existing canals.
New borrow areas have also been identified for borrowing of material. In addition, stone quarries from
which additional materials may be sourced, particularly stones and boulders, have been identified. The
details of these existing/ proposed borrow areas and stone quarries are provided in Table 3-5 and Table
3-6 respectively. Their locations are illustrated in Figure 3-2.
The estimated quantities of material to be generated from construction works, materials required for
filling and road works, and where they will be sourced from are provided in Table 3-7.
It must be noted that the identified quarry areas are operated by commercial quarries who are required
to have environmental permits from the Ghana EPA, as well as a quarry license and quarry operating
permit from the Minerals Commission to operate. The proponent shall not be directly involved in the
operation of the stone quarry but will purchase from the commercial operators.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 38 January 2018.
Figure 3-2: Location of potential sources of materials
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 39 January 2018.
Table 3-5: Existing and Proposed Borrow Areas (for borrowing materials for KLBIP earthworks)
S. No.
Latitude (decimal degrees)
Longitude (decimal degrees)
Description Estimated Area (ha)
Estimated Depth (m)
Expected Quantity (m3)
1 6.12079 0.178043 Proposed Borrow Pit location; along alignment of Main Canal 1; nearest village is Fulakope
Greater than 6ha
1.5 to 2m 120,000
2 6.130752 0.17141 Proposed Borrow Pit location; along alignment of Main Canal 1; nearest village is Sokope
Greater than 36ha
1.5 to 2m 720,000
3 6.146288 0.14909 Proposed Borrow Pit location; along alignment of existing Main Canal 2; high elevation land within project area
Approximately 15ha
1.5 to 2m 300,000
4 6.169969 0.163281 Existing Gravel Pit location; material can be borrowed; nearest village is Gbetekpo
Approximately 2ha
0.5m 10,000
5 6.174279 0.128619 Existing Gravel Pit location; material can be borrowed; nearest village is Fodzoku
Approximately 8ha
0.5m 40,000
Table 3-6: Stone quarries (for importing stones and boulders)
S. No.
Latitude (decimal degrees)
Longitude (decimal degrees)
Description Expected Quantity (m3)
1 6.048492 0.051283 Near Akuse-Somanya and Tema-Akosombo road junction
Quarries' cumulative output expected to be much higher than project requirements
2 6.000265 0.074685 Along Tema-Akosombo highway
3 5.870748 0.042899 Along Tema-Akosombo highway; At Shai Hills
4 5.856745 0.035743 Along Tema-Akosombo highway; At Shai Hills
Table 3-7: Construction Material Estimates
S. No.
Item description Units Scheme rehabilitation
Scheme extension
Ancillary structures
Totals Comments/ remarks
1 Quantity of topsoil expected to be generated by stripping (along canals, drains, structures, etc.)
m3 42,316 158,839 3,434 204,589 Stripped topsoil will be stockpiled and may be reused for backfilling of borrow pits.
2 Quantity of material required for filling (for construction of canals, structures, drains, etc.)
m3 380,661 856,196 20,264 1,257,121 Will be partly sourced from excavated material and balance quantity will be sourced from the nearest borrow pits.
3 Quantity of material expected from excavations (of canals, structures, drains, etc.)
m3 282,667 33,894 3,749 320,310 Most of this material (assume 90%) will be reused for filling. Unsuitable material (assume 10%) can
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 40 January 2018.
S. No.
Item description Units Scheme rehabilitation
Scheme extension
Ancillary structures
Totals Comments/ remarks
be reused for backfilling of borrow pits.
4 Quantity of material expected from dredging (of Nyifla Lake and Drain)
25,968 - - 25,968 Dredged material (unsuitable for use as fill) may also be reused for backfilling of borrow pits.
5. Quantity of road base material (aggregate) required for construction of roads
28,522 42,430 - 70,952 Will be sourced from the nearest gravel pits or alternatively from the nearest stone quarries.
A Estimated quantity of material required to be sourced (imported) from borrow pits
m3 126,261 825,691 16,890 968,842 -
B Estimated quantity of material to be excavated that may be reused for backfilling borrow pits
m3 96,551 162,228 3,809 262,588 -
C Estimated quantity of material required to be sourced (imported) from gravel pits or stone quarries
m3 28,522 42,430 - 70,952 -
3.4.12 Management of Excess Construction Material and Unused Excavated Soils
Excess material from construction works and excavated material which will be unsuitable for reuse may
be used for backfilling of existing borrow pits which were created during the construction of the existing
canals. These borrow pits are currently filled with water and weeds, and will be enough for all excess and
unused material. Details are provided in Table 3-8.
Table 3-8: Used and open borrow pits (for backfilling with excess/unsuitable material for KLBIP works)
S. No.
Latitude (decimal degrees)
Longitude (decimal degrees)
Description Estimated Area (ha)
Estimated Depth (m)
Expected Quantity (m3)
1 6.140011 0.156875 Earlier (used) borrow pit; presently filled with water and weeds; may be backfilled with excess material during construction phase
Approximately 6ha
3 to 4m 240,000
2 6.156701 0.149658 Earlier (used) borrow pit; presently filled with water and weeds; may be
Approximately 15ha
2 to 3m 450,000
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 41 January 2018.
S. No.
Latitude (decimal degrees)
Longitude (decimal degrees)
Description Estimated Area (ha)
Estimated Depth (m)
Expected Quantity (m3)
backfilled with excess material during construction phase
3.4.13 Construction Camp and Yard
The contractor for the construction works will be required to provide layout and locations for construction
camps and yards. The former office site close to Azagonokope used for the construction of the existing
irrigation facilities is identified as a possible suitable location for the camp. Yards could also be set up by
the borrow areas (refer to table 3-5, 3-6 and 3-8 for locations of borrow areas). The contractor may
however be required to identify additional locations of camps and yards with approval from the
Engineering Consultant.
The camp will include workers accommodation, portable water facilities, kitchen, clinic and sanitation
facilities. The yard will include fuel storage area, cement warehouse, concrete batching plant, parking
area for machinery, general workshop, maintenance workshop, areas for storing chippings and sanitation
facilities.
The contractor will be required to comply with the requirements for operating construction camps such
as those of the Ghana Factories Inspectorate Division and international standards such as the IFC and
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Processes and Standards for Workers’
Accommodation, and the International Labour Organisation’s Workers Accommodation
recommendations. These standards provide guidelines on the following:
General living facilities,
National/local standards,
Room/dormitory facilities,
Sanitary and toilet facilities,
Canteen, cooking and laundry facilities,
Standards for nutrition and food safety,
Medical facilities, and
Leisure, social and telecommunication facilities.
The contractor will also be required to provide adequate measures at the yards to ensure health and
safety, and prevent environmental contamination/pollution.
To ensure compliance with the above, all bidders will be required to submit a code of conduct for workers
and management strategy for environmental, health and safety compliance.
3.4.14 Incorporation of Project Affected Communities
The proposed project has provided a buffer area around the communities located within the irrigation
scheme. The project irrigation block boundary has been set at a distance of 25 meters from the
community boundary as agreed at the monthly technical meetings with the representatives of the project
affected communities as shown in Figures 3-3 for Nakpoe community. The sacred grove, woodlot and
cemetery for the Nakpoe community which are located outside the buffer area have also been conserved.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 42 January 2018.
The new building for the Gblornu D/A primary school was originally located in sub-blocks 9, 10 and 11 of
Irrigation block MC2-L7. The three blocks have been redesigned out of the scheme (See Figure 3-4) by
WAPCOS to protect the students from the potential impacts of the agricultural development. The drain
between the school and community is about 0.5 meter deep and shall be covered to prevent falls and
accidents.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 43 January 2018.
Figure 3-3: Location of Nakpoe community showing the buffer area around the community and nearby irrigation blocks
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 44 January 2018.
Figure 3-4: Location of the new Gblornu D/A primary School building and nearest irrigation blocks
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 45 January 2018.
3.4.15 Water Requirements
The estimated peak water demand for the proposed irrigation scheme commanding an area of 2,000 ha
is presented in Table 3-9. The water balance is based on the irrigation system layout and peak water
requirements communicated by existing commercial farmers.
Table 3-9: Water Balance of KLBIP
Ref. Canal Commands GCA (ha)
CCA (ha)
Discharge (m3/s)
a. Supply Canal (incl. SC-S01, excl. MC1 & MC2) 229.205 212.015 0.394
b. Main Canal 1 (Existing)
b.1 Vegpro – Center Pivot Overhead Sprinklers 1070.00 1070.00 0.710
b.2 MC1 – Gravity Command 118.383 109.504 0.204
c. Main Canal 1 (Extension) 726.958 672.438 1.258
d. Main Canal 2 (Existing) 552.023 510.748 0.950
e. Main Canal 2 (Extension)
e.1 Anyako Farms – Center-Pivot Overhead Sprinklers 113.00 113.00 0.055
e.2 Anyako Farms – Gravity command 387.00 357.98 0.666
e.3 MC2 (Extension) – Other gravity command 68.742 61.828 0.115
f. Total Discharge Requirements at System Head 4.352
g. Water availability from Kpong Reservoir 5.0
h. Balance water available at present 0.648
3.4.16 Land Development and Crop Cultivation
3.4.16.1 Types of Crops and Cropping Pattern
The proposed cropping pattern and land use are based on the climatic, agronomic, economic, availability
of irrigation water, soil and crop suitability evaluation and present farming practices in the project area.
The selected cropping pattern and land use plan are also geared towards helping to solve peculiar national
problems in the agricultural sector. Based on these factors a total of nine crops have been selected for
the project. The selected crops are categorized under three groups:
Cereals - Maize and Rice;
Grain Legumes - Soya bean and Cowpea; and
Vegetables - Pepper, Okra, Cabbage, Watermelon and Butternut squash.
Table 3-10 shows the selection of crops from the crop-soil suitability evaluation. The proposed cropping
pattern is shown in Table 3-11.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 46 January 2018.
Table 3-10: Crop-Soil Suitability Evaluation Results
Soil Series Area (Ha) Crops Selected for Cropping
Akuse 69 Rice
Amo 796 Rice
Tefle 555 Rice
Hake 580 Maize, Soyabean, Cowpea, Okra, Pepper, Cabbage, Watermelon, Butternut Squash.
Total 2,000 1420 ha would be allocated to the cultivation of rice and 580 ha dedicated to other crops.
Table 3-11: Proposed Cropping Pattern
Season Land Area
(ha)
Planted
Area (ha)
Cropping
Intensity
Wet Season (Rice-Maize-Okra)
2000 2000 100%
Dry Season (Rice-Soya-Pepper)
2000 2000 100%
Totals 2000 4000 200%
3.4.16.2 Cropping Calendar and Land Use Plan
Based on the cropping pattern, the following crop calendar and land use plan are proposed in Tables 3-
12 and 3-13 respectively.
Based on the land use plan, a total of 2,840 ha of rice would be grown and this would be followed by the
allocation of 480 ha to maize, 520 ha to Soya Bean, 20 ha to Cowpea, 30 ha to Pepper, 30 ha to Okra, 20
ha to Cabbage, 20 ha to Watermelon and 40 ha to Butternut Squash.
A cumulative area of 4,000 ha would be cropped in the year, a very intensive use of the land, which will
result in the achievement of 200% cropping intensity over the proposed 2,000 ha project area.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 47 January 2018.
Table 3-12: Proposed Crop Calendar
No. Crop
Land Preparation Planting Harvesting Crop Duration
Nursery (Yes/No)
Start Date
End Date Start Date
End Date Start Date
End Date Days (Months)
1 Paddy-I Yes 15 Mar 15 Apr 15 Apr 15 May 15 Aug 15 Sep 150 (5)
2 Paddy-II Yes 15 Sep 15 Oct 15 Oct 15 Nov 15 Feb 15 Mar 150 (5)
3 Maize-I No 01 Apr 30 Apr 01 May 30 May 01 Sep 30 Sep 120 (4)
4 Maize-II No 01 Oct 30 Oct 01 Nov 30 Nov 01 Mar 30 Mar 120 (4)
5 Soyabean-I No 15 Mar 15 Apr 15 Apr 15 May 15 Aug 15 Sep 120 (4)
6 Soyabean-II No 01 Oct 30 Oct 01 Nov 30 Nov 01 Mar 30 Mar 120 (4)
7 Pepper-I Yes 01 Mar 30 Mar 01 Apr 30 Apr 01 Jul 30 Jul 120 (4)
8 Okra-I No 15 Jan 30 Jan 01 Feb 15 Feb 15 May 30 Jun 120 (4)
9 Okra-II No 01 Aug 30 Aug 01 Sep 30 Sep 01 Dec 30 Dec 90 (3)
10 Pepper-II Yes 01 Aug 30 Aug 01 Sep 30 Sep 01 Dec 30 Dec 120 (4)
11 Cabbage-I Yes 01 Sep 30 Sep 01 Oct 30 Oct 01 Dec 30 Dec 90 (3)
12 Watermelon-I No 15 Sep 30 Sep 01 Oct 15 Oct 01 Jan 15 Jan 90 (3)
13 Cowpea-I No 15 Apr 30 Apr 01 May 15 May 01 Aug 15 Aug 90 (3)
14 Butternut Squash-I No 15 Oct 30 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 01 Feb 15 Feb 90 (3)
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 48 January 2018.
Table 3-13: Proposed land use plan
Cropping Pattern
Land Area (ha)
Planting Area (ha)
Rice Maize Soyabean Cowpea Pepper Okra Cabbage Watermelon Squash Total Cropping Intensity
Wet Season Rice-Maize-Okra
2000
1420 300 220 20 20 20 - - - 2000 100%
Dry Season Rice-Soya-Pepper
1420 180 300 - 10 10 20 20 40 2000 100%
Total 2,840 480 520 20 30 30 20 20 40 4000 200%
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 49 January 2018.
3.4.16.3 Land Development Types and Crop Rotation
The recommended cropping and land use patterns require two types of land development in the
project area. Areas to be used to grow rice will be developed into basins, whereas areas for row crops
will be developed for furrow irrigation. In the basins, only rice would be cropped from season to
season. However, a relay crop such as cowpea could be grown under zero tillage in the basins between
two cropping seasons of rice.
The other feature of importance is the recommended crop rotations. Crop rotation is undertaken to
minimize the spread of diseases and pests that result from continuous cultivation of the same crops
every season. It is also used to improve soil fertility. Under crop rotation, crops belonging to the same
taxonomic families do not replace each other. For example, maize and vegetables are interchanged
on fields with legumes since legumes are able to fix nitrogen from the air and thus improve the
nitrogen content of the soil when these crops are incorporated into the soil. Table 3-14 shows the
detailed crop rotation plan, for the first four years, based on the selected crops.
The crops in the proposed crop rotation system can be replaced by crops in their taxonomic group or
by other crops which are agronomically found suitable to be cultivated on the project. The proposed
crop rotation plan is not permanent for the furrow area and could be changed based on the demand
of the market for specific crops. However, it is important that the principle underlying crop rotation is
adhered to and maintained by the scheme farmers and scheme management at all times.
Table 3-14: Proposed Crop Rotation System
Year Field Type Block Crop Remarks
Wet Season Dry Season
1
Furrow
1 2 3 4 5 6
Maize Soyabean Cowpea Pepper Okra Soya bean
Soya bean Maize Pepper and Okra Water melon Cabbage Butternut Squash
40 ha from the Soyabean plot in the wet season will be allocated for cultivation of Butternut squash in the dry season.
Basin All Rice Rice
2
Furrow
1 2 3 4 5 6
Soya bean Maize Pepper Cowpea Okra + Soya Soya bean
Maize Soya bean Water melon Cabbage Butternut Squash Okra and Pepper
20 ha from the Okra field in the wet season and another 20 ha from the Soya field in the wet season will be allocated to Butternut squash in the dry season.
Basin All Rice Rice
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 50 January 2018.
Year Field Type Block Crop Remarks
Wet Season Dry Season
3 Furrow 1 2 3 4 5 6
Maize Soya bean Cowpea Pepper Okra + Soya Soya bean
Soya bean Maize Cabbage Water melon Butternut Squash Okra and Pepper
20 ha allocated to Okra in the wet season would be allocated to the Butternut squash in the dry season. 20 ha from the Soya field would also be allocated to the Butternut squash making a total of 40 ha.
Basin All Rice Rice
4 Furrow 1 2 3 4 5 6
Soya bean Maize Pepper Cowpea Okra + Soya Soya bean
Maize Soya bean Water melon Cabbage Butternut Squash Okra and Pepper
The 20 ha used to grow Okra in the wet season would be allocated to Butternut squash in the dry season. 20 ha from the Soya field in the wet season would also be allocated to the butternut squash in the dry season.
Basin All Rice Rice
3.5 Scheme Management and Beneficiaries
3.5.1 Scheme Management and Organizational Structure
The proposed scheme management system is based upon organisation of farmers into Water User
Associations (WUAs). A WUA will consist of 15 or more farmers drawn from one or more adjacent
blocks in the scheme, depending upon field sizes and land allocations. Each WUA will be responsible
for the operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage infrastructure within its area in the
scheme. To discharge this function, the association will collect Irrigation Service Charges (ISC) from its
members.
WUAs will be further organised into larger bodies known as Federations. Federations will operate and
maintain all main and secondary canals and ensure upkeep of all major drains within the project area.
These functions will be financed by collecting appropriate fees from member WUAs.
Farming enterprises with substantial technical, managerial and financial expertise and capital will be
allotted larger plots in the scheme. It is expected that these enterprises will have sufficient capability
to rapidly develop and successfully manage their own farms using in-house assets, while providing
support to smaller farmers in the scheme in the form of agri-inputs, mechanization and other agri-
services under nucleus-outgrower, producer-offtaker and contract farming business models.
The activities of the WUAs, Federations and Anchor Farmers will be supervised and regulated by a
Scheme Management Entity, whose main function will be to ensure implementation of GIDA policies
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 51 January 2018.
on the scheme. The Scheme Management Entity will report to the Scheme’s Stakeholder Governing
Board (SGB), a platform comprising of representatives from MoFA, GIDA, District Assembly, Traditional
Authorities, Federation of WUAs and Anchor Farmers.
The SGB will provide scheme oversight and monitoring, and will be responsible for the formulation
and implementation of strategic plans and operational policies.
Land in the scheme will be allocated to prospective farmers by a separate body called the Land
Allocation Committee (LAC). The LAC will establish the criteria for allocation of land and selection of
farmers. The current LAC membership structure used on GIDA projects shall be maintained.
One of the project’s objectives is to link small-holder farmers to markets. This requires creating
suitable roles for established players in agricultural value chains. In the proposed scheme
management setup, these players have been incorporated as Product and Service Enterprises (PSEs).
PSEs are expected to fill gaps in provision of farm inputs, mechanization, training, advisory, production
and post-harvesting, marketing, and credit services. In addition, these enterprises could also provide
scheme operation and maintenance services to individual WUAs and Federations on a contractual
basis.
The proposed setup aims to direct the planning and organisation of agricultural production and
irrigation management on the scheme through the medium of WUAs. This is vital for sustaining the
proposed investment and achieving long-term project benefits. Actively functioning WUAs will
facilitate the organisation of farmers towards this end goal.
A diagrammatic representation of the proposed scheme management system for the KLBIP is shown
in Figure 3-5.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 52 January 2018.
Figure 3-5: Organizational Chart of proposed Scheme Management System (Source: WAPCOS 2017)
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 53 January 2018.
3.5.2 Project Beneficiaries
The various categories of farmers who will benefit from the project are:
Farmers with small-holdings;
Medium-scale farmers; and
Large-scale commercial farmers with agro-processing capabilities.
Results from the earlier feasibility study undertaken by M/s. SNC Lavalin indicate that approximately
1,400 farm families from the catchment communities will participate in the project. It was estimated that
about 6 persons per hectare (i.e., 12,000 persons) will be needed to operate the scheme.
3.6 Project Implementation Schedule
The construction phase is expected to last for 18 months and will be followed by one-year long defect
liability period. The proposed organisation and management system will be implemented with the help
of project stakeholders, during the initial half (first 6 months) of the defect liability period.
Agricultural development of the project area is expected to commence in Year 3, immediately after
completion of construction works. It is expected that as plots within the scheme are allotted to interested
and capable farmers, the scheme command will be brought under cultivation progressively within a
period of about two years. The presently cultivated area of 500ha will gradually increase to 2000ha as
follows: 500ha in Year 3, 1000ha in Year 4, 1500ha in Year 5 and 2000ha in Year 6.
3.7 Alternative Considerations
The KLBIP is an existing irrigation facility which is not currently being used and is meant to be rehabilitated
and modernised for use. Alternative options under the rehabilitation works are limited. The existing
surface irrigation system uses canals to carry water to the irrigation fields and the proposed extensions
will also use canals. However, some options have been analysed under the ongoing detailed feasibility
studies according to their suitability to meet the project objectives.
The alternatives considered/analysed are as follows and are summarised in Table 3-15:
Large scale farming;
Smallholder farming with support from investor;
Combination of large scale and smallholder farming;
Rain-fed irrigation farming;
Pumped or gravity irrigation farming; and
No action.
Some issues/practices under the pumped or gravity irrigation and cropping systems/practices have also
been analysed. These sub-alternatives are as follows and are summarised in Table 3-16.
Pumped or gravity irrigation sub-alternatives
Open canals;
Closed canals;
Lined canals; and
Unlined or earth canals.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 54 January 2018.
Cropping system/practices
Monocropping;
Mixed cropping; and
Crop rotation.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 55 January 2018.
Table 3-15: Analysis of alternative project options
No Alternative
Consideration
Issue Analysis of options Remarks
1. Solely large scale
commercial
agriculture
Agriculture
development
scheme
- All 2000 ha land is developed into commercial farm.
- Easier to manage as investor has full control over entire land.
- Investor can make higher returns from the venture.
- No smallholder farmers involved in the project.
- No provision of support services for smallholder farmers in neighbouring communities.
- Limited employment opportunities for neighbouring communities.
A mixture of large scale
commercial and smallholder
farming systems will be utilised
to bring enhanced benefits to
the neighbouring communities.
The provision of support
services and transfer of
knowledge to the small holder
farmers will increase their
agricultural productivity,
increase their income levels and
improve their livelihoods.
Smallholder
Farming System
with Support
from Investor
- Smallholder farming system in the project area is improved.
- Scheme Manager as an investor provides support services for smallholder farmers
(provision of inputs, land preparation, irrigation, etc.) in the form of loan or at a fee.
- Smallholder farmers can increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods
through the support received.
- Smallholder farmers secure their own lands.
- Community members without lands may not benefit from the scheme.
- Possibility of some smallholder farmers defaulting in payment of loans or fees charged
for service may affect project sustainability.
Combination of
large scale
commercial and
smallholder
farming systems
- Portions of project land is allocated to large farming enterprises.
- Portions of land is allocated to smallholder farmers in neighbouring communities.
- Large farming enterprises have substantial technical, managerial and financial
expertise and working capital.
- Large farming enterprises act as “anchor farmers” and provide support to smallholder
farmers through contract farming/outgrower arrangements.
- Anchor farmer provides training and extension services for smallholder farmers.
- Increased productivity on smallholder farms.
- Produce from smallholder farms maybe purchased by anchor farmer.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 56 January 2018.
No Alternative
Consideration
Issue Analysis of options Remarks
- Employment opportunities and enhanced livelihood for smallholder farmers and
community members who are employed on anchor farms.
2. Rain-fed
Water Supply - Less costly.
- Avoidance of conflict with other water users by not depending on surface and
groundwater sources.
- No infrastructure required to distribute water to all sections of the farm.
- Existing GIDA irrigation facility will be underutilized.
- Cropping period limited to raining season.
- Higher risk of crop failure due to drought.
- Unpredictability of rainfall pattern.
- Quantity of water received by crops cannot be regulated
- Less productivity during periods of low rainfall.
- Higher vulnerability to climate change.
Combination of rain-fed and
irrigation has been considered
as the preferred option to
ensure all year round
cultivation, reduce production
cost associated with full
dependence on irrigation and to
take advantage of the benefits
of both options and reduce the
negative effects. Some irrigation
facilities by GIDA already exist
on site, which would be
rehabilitated, modernised and
extended for use.
Irrigation
- Existing irrigation facilities by GIDA will be utilized.
- Cropping can be done all year round.
- Quantity of water to crops can be regulated.
- Increased crop productivity due to availability of water.
- Higher cost of irrigation
- Potential conflict with other water users downstream.
- Potential impacts on aquatic ecosystem downstream of abstraction point.
3. No Action - - The land will be left in its current underutilized state.
- The impacts on vegetation and fauna will be avoided.
- Effects from the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers on the soil and water resources
will be limited.
- The aesthetic view of the area will not be changed.
- Investment opportunity made by GIDA under the existing scheme will be lost.
- Existing GIDA irrigation facilities at the site will remain underutilized.
This option is not preferred due
to the negative impacts on food
security, livelihoods and the
general social and economic
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 57 January 2018.
No Alternative
Consideration
Issue Analysis of options Remarks
- Job and economic opportunities for neighbouring communities and the country will be
lost.
- Ghana’s land and water resources will continue to be underutilized.
- The inhabitants of the area will continue to indulge in poor farming practices at the
project area amidst erratic climatic conditions, either drought or floods for cultivating
crops, with very limited sources of income.
- The inhabitants of the project area will continue to derive clay and fuelwood from the
project area for secondary livelihood activities such as pottery and charcoal
production.
- The local economy will continue to be weak.
- The youth in the proposed project area will continue to migrate to the district, regional
and national capitals in search of non-existing jobs, and many may eventually resort to
crime and other socially unacceptable lifestyles.
impacts on the local and
national economy. The existing
GIDA irrigation facilities at the
project site will remain
underutilised. This ESIS has
proposed measures to mitigate
or reduce the negative impacts
on the environment.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 58 January 2018.
Table 3-16: Analysis of Sub- Alternatives
No Sub-Alternative
Consideration Issue Analysis of options
Remarks
1a.
Open canals
Pumped or
gravity
irrigation
facilities
- The open canals are exposed to the atmosphere.
- Open canals are relatively less expensive as compared to closed canals.
- The channel of open canals can easily be accessed and desilted when choked with
obstacles.
- Poses safety threats to nearby communities/persons and animals.
- Nearby communities can easily dump wastes into canals and also access the water for
domestic usage.
The existing canals have most
sections open except where the
canals are crossing
streams/rivers. This will be
maintained and replicated for
the extension works. Safety
measures which may be put in
place include re-designing of
sections close to local
communities (e.g. Sokope) to
move away from the
communities, creation of buffer
zone between the communities
and the canal, and the use of
pillars/ safety barriers.
Closed canals
- The closed canals are covered and the water not exposed to the atmosphere.
- Closed canals are expensive in their construction.
- The channel of closed canals are not easy to access and for desilting when choked with
obstacles.
- Is covered and does not pose any safety threat to nearby communities/persons and
animals.
- Not easy for nearby communities to dump wastes into canals and fetch the water for
domestic usage.
1b.
Lined canals
Nature of
canal - Lined canals have a more secure, stable channel with no soil erosion influence and
does not encourage vegetation growth within the channel.
- Properly constructed lined canals have less maintenance cost due to infrequent
vegetation removal as well as infrequent collapse of side walls;
- Ensures optimal transmission of water to irrigation fields due to less water loss from
seepages
The existing canals are concrete
lined. It is proposed that new
extensions will also be concrete
lined to minimise maintenance
cost.
Unlined or earth
canals
- Earth canals usually have unstable channels with soil erosion influence and encourages
vegetation growth.
- Maintenance cost is usually high due to frequent vegetation removal and collapse or
cave in of side walls.
- Increased water loss from transmission due to seepage.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 59 January 2018.
No Sub-Alternative
Consideration Issue Analysis of options
Remarks
2.
Monocropping
Cropping
System
- Growing one type of crop all year round on the same land.
- Allows large expanses of land to be cropped and harvested at the same time.
- Easier to be mechanized.
- Less types of equipment and machinery required.
- Higher risk of crop failure due to pest and disease infestation or drought.
- Higher risk of investment loss due to crop failure.
- Higher rate of nutrient depletion due to the same nutrient requirement.
Crop rotation has been
considered as the preferred
option to meet market demand,
diversify the sources of income,
maximises land use and return
on investment due to different
maturity periods of crops and
reduced risk of farm failure in
the year. Where feasible,
farmers may be allowed to do
mixed cropping to also maximise
time of return on investment
due to different maturity
periods of crops.
Mixed Cropping
- Growing of two or more crops on different portions of the same land.
- Spreads risk of crop failure.
- Diversifies sources of income.
- Different maturity periods of crops affects planning.
- Different requirements of plants requires different types of equipment, fertilizers and
other farm inputs.
Crop Rotation
- Allows large expanses of land to be cropped with one type of crop at a time.
- Easier to be mechanized.
- Less types of equipment and machinery required.
- Spreads risk of crop/farm failure within the year.
- Diversifies sources of income.
- Maximizes land use and return on investment due to different maturity periods of
crops.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 60 January 2018.
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The proposed project district is the North Tongu District in the Volta Region. The existing physical,
biological, and socio-economic environment of the project area is presented in this chapter.
4.1 Physical Environment
4.1.1 Location of district and relevant sections of the Volta River
The North Tongu District, with its administrative capital at Battor-Dugame, was created as one of the
newly created District Assemblies. It was carved out of the then North Tongu District which was split
into the North and Central Tongu Districts by Legislative Instrument (LI 2081). It forms part of the
twenty-five (25no.) Municipalities and Districts in the Volta Region.
The District shares boundaries with Central Tongu District to the east, to the west with Asuogyaman
District and the Volta River, to the north with Ho-West District and to the south with Ada West District.
The Volta River forms the western boundary of the district which separates it from the Lower Manya
and Shai-Osudoku Districts. A map of the newly created North Tongu District (project district) showing
the project town, bordering districts and the Volta River is shown in Figure 4-1.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 61 January 2018.
(Source: Ghana Statistical Service, 2014
Figure 4-1: North Tongu District Map showing key project town and bordering districts and Volta River)
PROJECT TOWN Volta River
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 62 January 2018.
4.1.2 Climatic Conditions
Rainfall
The climate of the North Tongu District is characterized by humid conditions and a bimodal rainfall
pattern. Figure 4-2 show the average monthly rainfall data for the Akuse synoptic station (nearest
synoptic station to the project site) over the period 1961 – 2015. The major rainfall season occurs
between March and June and accounts for about 49.48% of the annual rainfall. The minor rainfall
season starts from September to October and accounts for 22.87% of the annual rainfall. The driest
month is January (1.36%) whiles the wettest month is June (16.61%). The average annual rainfall varies
between 900 mm and 1,100 mm.
Figure 4-2: Average monthly rainfall data at the Akuse Synoptic Station
A further analysis of the rainfall pattern in Figure 4-2 reveals a gradual increase in average monthly
number of rainy days with increasing rainfall depth. There is a strong correlation between the increase
in rainfall and the number of rainy days (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.94).
The bimodal pattern of rainfall influences the cropping pattern in the district, giving rise to two
cropping seasons – the major and minor cropping seasons. Rainfall duration is generally inadequate
even during the major season, which affects crop production in the district.
Sunshine The annual mean sunshine duration at the project area, as recorded at Akuse (nearest synoptic station) 5.51 hours. The sunshine duration is moderate and will not have an adverse effect on majority of the crops to be cultivated at the project site (WAPCOS, 2016a). Wind Data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (2006 to 2015) indicate that wind direction is
predominantly South South Westerly (i.e. blowing from South South West to North North East. This
is indicated by Figure 4-3 which presents the frequency of winds from 2006 to 2015 is plotted by wind
direction, and indicating wind speed ranges with colour bands.
1.36%
3.83%
8.24%
11.24%
13.39%
16.61%
8.89%
4.17%
11.13%11.74%
6.99%
2.41%
1
4 8 8 11 12 8 6 11 12 73
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average Rainfall (mm)
Average Rainfall (mm) No. of Rainy Days Linear (Average Rainfall (mm))
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 63 January 2018.
Figure 4-3: Distribution of wind speed and direction at the Akuse Synoptic Station (2006 -2015)
The wind data indicate that 97% of the wind direction in the period were south south westerly and 3%
were south westerly. Wind speed ranged between 0 and 3 knots and predominantly between 1 and 2
knots (57.26%). February/March and September are the windiest months and wind speed is least in
November/December.
At the onset of the major season, strong south-westerly winds may occur causing thunderstorms that
sometimes damages structures, vegetation and crops. During the early part of the dry season, the
harmattan winds from the Sahara regions blow across the district, drying up seasonal streams and
ponds and exposing the vegetation to bushfires.
Feasibility studies by the engineering consultants, WAPCOS, indicate that the wind speed is not high
enough to have adverse effects on crops currently grown at the project area.
Temperature and Relative Humidity
The temperature and relative humidity in the district vary little during the year. Variation in monthly
mean temperature, based on data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (2006 to 2015) is presented
in Figure 4-4. The warmest month is usually March whiles the coolest month is usually August. The
annual mean temperature being 28.6°C.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
NO
. OF
EVEN
TS
WIND DIRECTION
Wind Direction and Speed 0 <= ws < 1
1 <= ws < 2
2 <= ws < 3
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 64 January 2018.
Figure 4-4: Variation in mean monthly temperature at the Akuse Synoptic Station
Relative humidity in the area is highest between June and July (80%) and is least between December
and February (69% to 71%) as presented in Figure 4-5. Annual mean humidity is 74.8%.
Figure 4-5: Variation in mean monthly relative humidity
Feasibility studies by the engineering consultants, WAPCOS, indicate that the relative humidity is quite
conducive for farming.
4.1.3 Climate Change and Agriculture in the Volta Basin
Agriculture in the Volta Basin is heavily reliant on rainfall and the rural poor rely almost exclusively on
agriculture for their sustenance. Diminished and less predictable rainfall will result in increased
drought and dry spells within the growing season which is likely to reduce the resilience of farmers
and increase poverty.
Climate models on the Volta Basin show temperatures rising by up to 3.6°C over the next century
which the scientists warn could significantly increase water lost to evaporation. The models also
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Variation in Mean Monthly Temperature (oC)
Average minimum temp Average maximum temp Average temp
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mean Relative Humidity (%)
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 65 January 2018.
indicate average annual rainfall could drop by about 20%, which could also affect groundwater
recharge. It is calculated that water flows in the Volta Basin could fall by 24% through 2050 and by
45% by 2100 (McCartney et al., 2012). The loss of water in the Volta Basin would be especially
challenging for poor farmers in rural areas, where agriculture is the primary provider of food and
income.
Scientists propose the use of a more resilient mix of options for agriculture to address the climate
change challenge. This may include small and large-scale irrigation schemes, and small and large-scale
water storage options. The solutions for farmers could include simple, small-scale approaches to water
storage such as building small ponds on rural farms, and using water tanks with roof that reduce
evaporation. Groundwater resources could also be improved through managed aquifer recharge, i.e.
enhancing recharge of aquifers under controlled conditions, either by injection or infiltration
(McCartney et al., 2012).
4.1.4 Topography and Relief
The topography of the area is mainly gently sloping lands. The topography is characterised by vast
stretches of Volta flood plains bordering the Volta River on both sides. Within the flood plains, the
topography is fairly flat, between 1.5% and 2%. Due to the flat nature and heavy soils, the plains are
poorly drained.
4.1.5 Soils
Soils study was conducted at the entire project area by WAPCOS (Design Consultant) between April
and May 2016 to establish the soil types present in the entire area, assess the suitability of the land
with respect to its present land use and ascertain current limitations with respect to irrigated
agriculture.
Methodology
Soils in the entire area were identified using the conventional method of establishing baselines, cutting
perpendicular traverses to the baselines and digging chisel holes at 200m intervals along each of the
traverses. Global Positioning System (GPS) readings were recorded at all the points and were
downloaded onto a base map. Chisel holes were dug up to depths of 75cm and soils were examined
and identified.
The identified soils of the project area were evaluated for the production of irrigated rice and other
major arable crops namely, maize, soyabean, and horticultural crops. The Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) Framework for Land Evaluation (FAO, 1976); Guidelines: Land Evaluation for
Irrigated Agriculture (FAO, 1985) and Sys (1979) were adopted for the assessment. Evaluation of the
land/soil units was based on major land/soil characteristics derived from soil investigations.
Results
Four (4) main soil types were identified at the project area, namely Akuse, Amo, Tefle and Hake series,
with Zipa series being a minor inclusion. Table 4-1 shows the areal extent of the various soil series.
The various soil series are subsequently described.
Table 4-1: Areal extent of Soil Series in the Project Area (Source: WAPCOS, 2016b)
Soil Series Surveyed Area (ha) CCA (ha)
Akuse 82.75 69
Amo 963.43 796
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 66 January 2018.
Tefle 671.93 555
Hake 701.70 580
Zipa 7.77 -
Totals 2,427.58 2000
Description of Individual Soil Series
Akuse Series (Calcic Vertisol)
Soils of Akuse series occur on upper and middle slopes where slope gradient are generally 0 – 1%.
They are deep (> 150 cm), very dark grey to black, having heavy, cracking clay textures. The solum is
clayey throughout the subsoil with impeded internal drainage but good external drainage.
The profile normally consists of about 25 – 55 cm of black to very dark grey clay loam with moderate,
medium crumbs grading into coarse prismatic and moderate medium angular and sub-angular blocky
structure. The subsoil consists of very dark grey, heavy, plastic, impervious clay when moist. When
dry, it becomes very compact and cracks deeply and widely into broad vertical prisms. The prisms
break into large angular blocks and slickensides are developed on the outside. Small, black concretions
containing manganese dioxide are occasional to frequent in this layer. At the base of the last horizon,
there is commonly weathered bedrock which is either plastic clay or loamy in texture depending on
the degree of weathering.
Amo Series (Eutic Cambisol)
Soils of Amo series are developed in silty clay alluvial deposits of the Volta River. They are deep (>160
cm), imperfectly drained with colours ranging from dark grayish brown to yellowish brown and possess
clay loam textures usually occurring on lower levees. This is underlain by more than 100 cm of clay,
grayish brown to brownish yellow subsoil, mottled yellowish brown.
Tefle Series (Eutric Gleysol)
Tefle series consists of grey mottled brown clays occupying the lowest wide valley bottoms of the
association. They are, therefore subject to flooding and waterlogging for much longer periods than
Amo series and also remain moist well into the dry season. They usually possess dark grayish brown
to yellowish brown topsoil with clay loam textures. The topsoil is overlain by about 150 cm of grayish
brown to light gray, silty clay loam subsoil. A profile of the series usually has mottles which in the
topsoil appear yellowish brown to yellowish red and grading into reddish brown in the subsoil.
Hake Series (Dystric Cambisol)
Soils of Hake series are deep, moderately well to imperfectly drained and normally occupy higher parts
of the Volta alluvial plain. A typical profile of the soil usually has dark brown to dark yellowish brown
topsoil and possesses clay loam textures. The subsoil is usually yellowish to brownish yellow in colour
and has clay loam textures which grades into clay.
Zipa Series (Ferric Luvisol)
Soils of Zipa series are usually found on old terraces and are located above the floodplains. The topsoil
is usually light brownish gray to brown and is sandy in texture. The subsoil is yellowish brown and
possesses silty to sandy clay textures and is generally very well drained. They have prominent strong
brown, yellowish brown and red mottles usually below 30 cm. They have weakly developed hard pan
which is usually found about one meter below the surface.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 67 January 2018.
Soil Suitability Assessment
Soils of Akuse and Amo series are both currently moderately suitable for rice cultivation. The limitation
in both cases is wetness (w) reflected in the drainage condition of both Akuse and Amo series. Rice
requires poorly drained conditions. However, Akuse series possess moderately well drained and Amo
series possess imperfectly drained conditions. Besides, while rice requires slow or slower hydraulic
conductivity for optimum growth, both Akuse and Amo series possess moderately slow hydraulic
conductivity. Puddling could help reduce high hydraulic conductivity and retain water for longer time
for rice cultivation.
Soils of Amo series are moderately suitable for all the crops evaluated. The limitation to its fitness for
the growth of the crops is due to its imperfect drainage conditions. All the crops apart from rice require
moderately well to well drained conditions.
Soils of Hake series are also moderately suitable for all the crops evaluated, the major limitation being
topography (t). These soils occur on slopes of between 2 – 3%. This limitation can be overcome by
land grading and leveling. Once this limitation is removed, then for crops such as pepper, French bean
and cowpea, the soils becomes highly suitable (S1) for these crops.
Soils of Tefle series, for all the crops evaluated are marginally suitable (S3). The major limitation being
poor drainage conditions, which could limit oxygen availability to the crops. The soils occur in low lying
areas and are, therefore, prone to waterlogging. Such poor drainage conditions good for a crop such
as rice. However, there is that limitation of the soil having a moderate hydraulic conductivity
(3.15cm/hr), but rice requires a slow or slower (0.1 – 0.8 cm/hr) hydraulic conductivity for optimum
growth.
4.1.6 Water Resources and Drainage
Surface Water and Drainage
The Volta River is the main water body in the North Tongu District. Other rivers/streams which drain
the district are the Alabo, Kolo, Aklapka, Gblor, Bla, Anyorgborti and Nyifla streams and their
tributaries which flow into the Volta River. These streams are seasonal and dry up or shrink up
considerably during the dry season. During the rainy season however, they sometimes overflow their
banks, causing damage to roads and farms. The Volta River borders the western boundary of the
project site and will serve as a source of water for the irrigation.
The project area is drained by the Nyifla and Gblor streams. The Gblor Stream (mainly a natural
boundary in the southern fringes) empties into River Volta near the village of Gblornu. The Nyifla
Stream flows in the middle of the project area and outfalls into a lake near the community of Nakpoe.
The surface area of the lake varies throughout the year. During high flows, the lake overtops and
excess water drains southwards towards the Alabo River. The Alabo River has its headwaters west of
Ho (Volta Regional Capital) and flows in the south-eastern corner of the project area.
Drains have been constructed along the existing tertiary and secondary canals. Secondary unit drains
flow into the natural drainage system of the Gblor, Nyifla and Alabo Streams and their tributaries.
Both the Gblor and Nyifla streams flow in a south-eastern direction. The probability that these surface
water bodies can be deteriorated by drainage water containing large amount of nutrients is very high.
Most of the communities depend on these waters for their domestic use as well as to supply their
cattle.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 68 January 2018.
The proposed project will provide alternative sources of water for the project communities. The
project designs have also made provisions for water troughs at vantage points for cattle.
Groundwater
The project area is underlain by the Dahomeyan Formation comprising mainly of Basic Gneiss.
Available hydrogeological maps indicate that both shallow and deep groundwater is scanty and
unpalatable. The borehole in Sokope community is reported by the community members to be salty,
hence they do not use it for drinking or for other domestic purposes. Yields obtainable from boreholes
are very low and range from 1 to 3 m3/hr. (Ghana Geological Survey 1967, 1990; Water Resources
Research Institute (CSIR), 1996 as cited in WAPCOS, 2016b).
Drinking water supply and sanitation studies conducted in the Volta Region in the 1990’s indicate
shallow bedrock in areas underlain by Dahomeyan gneisses. These studies highlight that clay
overburdens are highly impervious and may act as potential barriers to direct infiltration of rainfall
(WRI-DANIDA, 1992 as cited in WAPCOS, 2016b).
More recent baseline studies in the Lower Volta basin indicate that the North Tongu District, as a
whole, has very low groundwater potential due to the massive nature of the basic gneiss basement
rock, which is poorly weathered and is characterized by micro-fractures. The overburden is less than
4m thick, with the bedrock outcropping in some places. As a result, the aquifer horizon is shallow and
requires constant recharge. Existing boreholes in village communities either run dry or provide
marginal yields (Water Research Institute (CSIR), 2016 as cited in WAPCOS, 2016b).
4.1.6.1 Water Quality Assessment
Water quality analysis was conducted as part of the baseline environmental studies for the proposed
project. Upstream surface water sample was collected from the canal intake point at Volta River
(sample point: N 6.14922°; E 0.12670°) and the downstream sample collected from the confluence of
the Alabo stream and the Volta River, which is just beyond the eastern boundary of the project site
(sample point: N 6.10440°; E 0.20886°). A sample was collected from the Nyifla Lake to represent the
mid-point of the project site (sample point: N 6.12001°; E 0.16336°) Groundwater sample was also
collected from a borehole (N 6. 13391°; E 0.16625°) at the Sokope Community (a community which
shares boundary with the project site).
The water samples were analyzed at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Water
Research Institute laboratory. The groundwater, mid-stream and downstream sample results are
compared with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Drinking Water Quality Guideline (DWQG).
The borehole at Sokope was constructed to serve as source of portable drinking water, however the
community reports that the water is salty, hence they do not drink or use it for other domestic
purposes. The Nyifla Lake is depended on by some of the communities in the project area (Nakpoe,
Deikope, Nyiflakpoe and Nyiflakope) as their source of water for drinking and domestic purposes. The
Volta River may be depended on by various downstream communities for either drinking or for
domestic use. The upstream sample is compared with the Target Water Quality Ranges (TWQR) of the
Ghana Raw Water Quality Criteria and Guidelines (Volume 4(B): Agricultural Water Use (Irrigation)) to
determine its suitability for irrigation. The results are shown in Table 4-2.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 69 January 2018.
Table 4-2: Results of Water quality analysis
Sample ID Groundwater Mid-stream Downstream
WHO DWQG
Upstream TWQR (Irrigation)
pH (pH Units) 6.57 6.74 6.69 6.5-8.5 7.29 6.5-8.5
Conductivity (µS/cm) 8040 90.4 157 - 97.9 -
Turbidity (NTU) <1.00 34.0 27.0 5 11.0 -
Apparent Colour (Hz) 2.50 37.5 30.0 15.0 15.0 -
TSS (mg/l) <1.00 7.00 11.0 - 8.00 <50
TDS (mg/l) 4422 49.7 86.4 1,000 53.8 <40
Alkalinity (mg/l) 72.0 32.0 16.0 - 24.0 -
NO3-N (mg/l) 1.09 0.150 0.133 50 0.675 <0.5-<5
Phosphate (mg/l) 0.132 0.073 0.130 - 0.100 -
NO2-N (mg/l) 0.012 0.018 0.009 1.00 0.004 <0.5-<5
Ammonia (mg/l) <0.001 0.074 0.088 - 0.068 -
Fluoride (mg/l) 0.384 0.115 0.108 1.50 0.105 <2
Sulphide (mg/l) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 500 <0.005 -
BOD (mg/l) 0.100 1.60 1.90 - 1.40 -
COD (mg/l) 1.20 11.3 11.2 - 10.8 -
Oil/Grease (mg/l) <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 - <1.00 -
Chloride (mg/l) 51.6 4.00 11.9 250 4.00 <100
Iron (mg/l) 0.038 0.229 0.613 0.300 0.381 <5
Zinc (mg/l) <0.005 0.029 0.034 4.00 0.031 <1
Lead (mg/l) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.2
Manganese (mg/l) 0.008 0.163 0.148 0.400 0.194 <0.02
Cadmium (mg/l) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.003 <0.002 <0.01
Copper (mg/l) <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 2.00 <0.010 <0.1
Chromium (mg/l) <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 0.050 <0.010 <0.1
Cobalt (mg/l) <0.010 <0.010 <0.010 - <0.010 <0.05
TC (cfu/100ml) 12 360 380 0 285 -
FC (cfu/100ml) 0 10 12 0 6 <1
The results from the water quality analysis shows the following:
Total dissolved solids (TDS) and total coliform (TC) for the groundwater sample did not conform
to the WHO DWQG;
Turbidity, apparent colour, iron, TC and feacal coliform (FC) exceeded the WHO DWQG values;
Turbidity, apparent colour, TC and FC for the mid-stream sample did not conform to the WHO
DWQG; and
With the exception of TDS, manganese and FC, all parameters for the upstream sample were
within the TWQG (Irrigation) values.
The high levels of total dissolved solids recorded in the groundwater sample may be due to the rock
characteristics of the project area and the Accra Plains in general which facilitates the dissolution of
ions such as chlorides into groundwater. This accounts for the salty nature of the water from the
borehole at Sokope. The total coliforms in the groundwater sample may be due to microbial
contamination of the piping system of the borehole. The high levels of some parameters recorded in
the surface water samples (upstream, midstream and downstream may be attributed to activities
from the surrounding environment. Cattle grazing and run off from the surrounding environment may
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 70 January 2018.
have contributed to high turbidity, apparent colour, total coliform and faecal coliform in the surface
water samples. In addition, high turbidity and apparent colour of the downstream sample may be due
to the mixing waters at the confluence of the Alabo stream and Volta River.
Water quality analysis was conducted by WAPCOS in May 2016 by collecting water from the head of
the supply canal and analysed at the CSIR Water Research Institute to test the suitability of the water
for irrigation. The results show that the physicochemical parameters were generally satisfactory and
the water was suitable for irrigation. However, the bacteriological parameters exceeded the WRC
recommended limits for irrigation. The results are attached as Annex 3.
The exceedance level of faecal coliform in the upstream sample results (refer to Table 4-2) and the
exceedance levels of bacteriological parameters recorded by WAPCOS in their water quality analysis
implies that caution must be taken in using water to irrigate crops that are consumed in their raw
(uncooked state).
4.1.7 Air quality and Noise Level
Current land use at the project area is mainly subsistence farming, which is the common land use
practice in the district. The commercial farms in the project area are Vegpro Ghana Limited and
Anyako Farms Limited. The current land use practice does not involve any processing or the use of any
heavy machinery which significantly impacts on ambient air quality and noise levels.
Air quality (dust) analysis and noise level monitoring were conducted in March 2016 during the ESIA
studies for GR Mawuko Farms Limited (a GCAP Grantee Farm) in the project district (sample point: N
6.10345°; E 0.43495°) as part of the baseline environmental studies. The results for the air quality
parameters (TSP and PM10) and noise levels recorded were within the EPA guideline values (see Tables
4-3 and 4-4 below).
Table 4-3: Results of Air quality monitoring conducted at GR Mawuko Farms Ltd’s project site in March, 2016.
No. Sampling Site TSP
µgm-3
EPA Guideline
Value (µgm-3)
PM10
µgm-3
EPA Guideline
Value (µgm-3)
1. Proposed site for warehouse at GR
Mawuko Farms Limited’s project site.
180 230 28 70
Table 4-4: Results of noise level monitoring conducted at GR Mawuko Farms Ltd’s project site in March 2016
dB(A)
EPA Guideline
Value [dB(A)] No. Sampling Site Leq Lmax Lmin L10 L50 L90
1. Proposed site for warehouse at
GR Mawuko Farms Limited’s
project site.
58.9 69.9 56.7 62.9 58.8 57.4 60
Legend
Leq - Integrated noise level during the measurement period
Lmax - Maximum noised level
Lmin - Minimum noise level
L50 - Average noise level
L10 - Nuisance noise level
L90 - Background noise level
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 71 January 2018.
4.1.8 Seismic Activity
Ghana is in relatively seismic active region, the great earthquakes in history are M6.5 strong on July
10, 1862 in Accra and M6.8 strong on June 22, 1939 also in Accra. According to the data from Ghana
Geological Department, regional active faults as Akwapim Fault Zone and Coastal Boundary fault are
main earthquake control structure in Ghana. The above two great earthquakes are associated with
the activities of Akwapim Fault Zone and Coastal Boundary Fault. As a result, Magnitude 7 earthquake
may happen in Akwapim Fault Zone and Coastal Boundary Fault. They are crossed at Nyanyano which
is about 5 km West of Accra. The design specifications for seismic parameters in Ghana are determined
by the seismic zoning map (Figure 4-6). The zoning map does not define the exceeding probability,
and parameter is of the maximum ground acceleration.
Southern Ghana is not a highly active seismic area; however, it is a region capable of producing
significant earthquakes. The seismic zoning map indicates that the proposed project district falls
within a medium to high risk zone. Thus, as a precautionary measure it will be prudent to factor seismic
concerns into the designs.
Figure 4-6: Seismic zoning map of Southern Ghana
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 72 January 2018.
4.2 Biological Environment
Terrestrial flora and fauna survey was conducted by SAL Consult Limited at the project site during an
ESIA study in March, 2016 for Anyako Farms Limited, a selected Grantee farm under GCAP within the
Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project site. The results of the Flora and Fauna Survey are presented in the
following sub-sections.
4.2.1 Terrestrial Flora
Methodology for Survey
Assessments of the flora in the proposed project area was conducted through field and desk studies.
The vegetation types of the proposed project location as well as the land use were noted by walking
and driving through the proposed project site as appropriate. A rapid assessment of the abundances
of the plant species encountered was conducted using frequency symbols. The botanical
nomenclature follows Hutchinson and Dalziel (1954-72). The vegetation descriptions follow Taylor
(1960) and Hall and Swaine (1981). The flora survey aimed at determining (i) the type of vegetation of
the project site (ii) the most commonly occurring plant species and their relative abundances (subjectively
determined) and (iii) whether any species are endangered. A species list was compiled by walking
through the project site and its immediate surroundings. Plate 4-1 shows the Ecologist from SAL
Consult Limited conducting flora and fauna survey at the project site.
Plate 4-1: Ecologist conducting flora and fauna survey at the KLBIP site
Results of Survey
The flora survey showed that the project site is a modified habitat, consisting mainly of farmlands with
regrowth, fallow lands with Azadirachta indica, thicket vegetation with isolated trees and areas
around the banks of the Volta River and Gblor stream had isolated trees. Plates 4-2 and 4-3 show the
typical vegetation at the project site. The list of flora species at the project site and their International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status are presented in Table 4-5. The floral
survey revealed that the vegetation at the project site is common in the area and no species of
conservation value was found.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 73 January 2018.
Plate 4-2: Typical grassland vegetation at the KLBIP site
Plate 4-3: Typical vegetation along streams at the project site
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 74 January 2018.
Table 4-5: Details of flora at the KLBIP site
SPECIES FAMILY LIFE FORM IUCN CONSERVATION
STATUS
Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Tree Data deficient (DD)
Commelina africana Commelinaceae Herb Least concern (LC)
Millettia zechiana Papillionaceae Tree LC
Uraria picta Papillionaceae Shrub LC
Dichrostachys cinerea Mimosaceae Shrub LC
Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae Herb LC
Nauclea latifolia Annonaceae Climber Not yet assessed (NA)
Uvaria chamae Annonaceae Climber NA
Ritchiea reflexa Capparaceae Climber NA
Erythrophleum suaveolens Caesalpiniaceae Tree NA
Paullinia pinnata Sapindaceae Climber NA
Abutilon mauritianum Malvaceae Shrub NA
Ceiba pentandra Bombacaceae Tree NA
Morinda lucida Rubiaceae Tree NA
Trema orientalis Ulmaceae Tree NA
Mallotus oppositifolius Euphorbiaceae Tree NA
Phyllanthus amarus Euphorbiaceae Shrub NA
Byrsocarpus coccineus Connaraceae Shrub NA
Lonchocarpus sericeus Papillionaceae Tree NA
Piliostigma thonningii Caesalpiniaceae Tree NA
Combretum sp. Combretaceae Tree NA
Borassus aethiopum Palmae Tree NA
Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides Rutaceae Tree NA
Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Tree NA
Carissa edulis Apocynaceae Shrub NA
Adansonia digitata Bombaceae Tree NA
Azadirachta indica Meliceae Tree NA
Mitragyna inermis Rubiaceae Tree NA
Passiflora foetida Passifloraceae Climber NA
Cissus sp. Vitaceae Climber NA
Dgitaria horizontalis Gramineae Herb NA
Heteropogon contortus Gramineae Herb NA
Imperata cylindrica Gramineae Herb NA
Panicum maximum Gramineae Herb NA
Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Shrub NA
Cyathula prostrata Amaranthaceae Shrub NA
Cassia occidentalis Caesalpiniaceae Shrub NA
Cassia sieberiana Caesalpiniaceae Shrub NA
Cleome viscosa Capparaceae Shrub NA
Chromolaena odorata Compositae Shrub NA
Tidax procumbens Compositae Shrub NA
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 75 January 2018.
SPECIES FAMILY LIFE FORM IUCN CONSERVATION
STATUS
Croton lobatus Euphorbiaceae Shrub NA
Securinega virosa Euphorbiaceae Shrub NA
Sida acuta Malvaceae Shrub NA
Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae Shrub NA
Talinum triangulaire Portlacaceae Shrub NA
Elaeis guineensis Palmae Tree NA
4.2.2 Terrestrial Fauna and Wildlife
Methodology for Survey
Information on the fauna was obtained through direct/opportunistic observation, identification of
animal spoors, interviews and literature. The interviews focused mainly on the identification of the
various animals that commonly occurred in the area, and some indication of their abundance/degree of
occurrence. The literature consulted during the fauna desk survey includes Cansdale (1948; 1951), Booth
(1958), Schiotz (1969), Hughes and Barry (1969), Decher (1997a), Decher et al. (1997), Kingdon (1997) and
Ryan and Ntiamoa-Badu (1997).
Results of Survey
Fauna found in the project area is dominated by rodents, birds and reptiles. No large mammals
(wildlife) have been reported at the project site. None of these animal species are considered as
endangered. The common fauna at the project site and their IUCN Conservation status is shown in
Table 4-6.
Table 4-6: Common fauna at the Project Site
Species Common Name IUCN Conservation Status
Ploceus cucullatus Village weaver Least concern (LC)
Bufo regularis African common toad LC
Rattus rattus Black rat LC
Bitis arietans Venomous viper LC
Philothamnus semivariegatus Spotted bush snake LC
Dasypeltis fasciata Egg-eating snake LC
Boaedon fuliginosus Cape house snake Not yet assessed (NA)
Agama agama Red-headed rock agama LC
Elanus caeruleus Black-winged kite LC
Ardeola ibis Cattle egret LC
Cricetomys gambianus Gambian pouched rat LC
Thryonomys swinderianus Greater cane rat LC
Dendroaspis viridis West African green mamba LC
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 76 January 2018.
4.2.3 Aquatic Ecological Studies
Aquatic biological studies at the Kpong Left Bank was carried out in September 2016 to provide
baseline information on the local dynamics of the aquatic flora and fauna in the project area. The
study was carried out in the Alabo River, located within the proposed scheme area. Access to the
Gblor and Nyifla streams was limited due to the proliferation of aquatic weeds. Studies in these
streams was therefore limited to aquatic flora. The Alabo River has a large open water space with
smaller tributaries and all the banks are covered with thick aquatic vegetation (Plate 4-4). During the
visit, it was observed that the open water was full and flowing fast towards the smaller tributaries.
The depth of the water at the deepest part was 1.2 m. Inhabitants indicated that the river sometimes
overflow its banks onto adjacent rice farms; this adversely affects their farming activities. The
dominant socio-economic activities are subsistence fishing; farming, sand winning, fish processing,
and transportation on the river. Communities adjacent to the river abstract water from the river for
drinking, washing and other domestic chores.
Plate 4-4: Open water of Alabo river and its banks fringed with aquatic vegetation
To help assess the biological integrity of the river ecosystem, aquatic flora and fauna were sampled,
identified and abundance estimated as per standard methods. Where sampling could not be done
due to inaccessibility, some residents were interviewed to provide information on vertebrates and
other fauna in the area. Other relevant observations were noted and results analysed to help with
predictions and mitigation of significant impacts. Detailed methodology for the sampling is provided
in Annex 12.
Aquatic plants
The most dominant grass was Typha domingensis; it covered a significantly large area of the river,
particularly at the slow moving banks. Following landwards of Typha was the guinea grass Panicum
maximum. Following closely in abundance and area covered are the aquatic floating plants water lily
Nymphaea lotus, duckweed Lemna sp., water lettuce Pistia stratiotes, water hyacinth Eichhornia sp
(Plate 4-5). These floating plants usually quickly proliferate and are found in nutrient rich and slow
flowing water. They often harbour mosquitoes which may adversely affect health of adjacent
communities. These aquatic plants provide an excellent spawning area for fishes.
Plate 4-5: Water hyacinth Eichhornia sp in the water followed landwards by Typha dominengensis and other aquatic
vegetation at the banks of the river.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 77 January 2018.
Benthos
The sediment was very coarse at both the shallow and mid areas. There was no benthic organism
stained in both samples. The paucity of benthic organisms may be due to the relatively fast flowing
nature of both the shallow and the middle portions of the river; as well as the high human activity at
the banks.
Vertebrates
There were no shore birds sighted during the visit. Inhabitants interviewed were unanimous that the
river was full of fish and no other vertebrates.
Fisheries
Fishing for both commercial and subsistence purposes was a common socio-economic activity and this
is done throughout the year except on Wednesdays of each week. The river is an important source of
fin- and shell-fish for communities surrounding the river.
The main fishing gears are set gill net, cast net and hook and line (Plate 4-6) (baited or not baited), in
decreasing abundance. Fishermen indicated the presence of up to twenty (20) canoes fishing in the
river but only four (4) operational canoes were observed at the landing site. Due to the high depths
in the river, fishermen who fish with cast nets normally need a boat to move around on the river.
Fishermen indicated they earn a range of between GHC 50 to GHC 250 cedis per day from their fishing
activities. The women process landed fish. Fishers supplemented their income from fishing with
subsistence farming.
Plate 4-6: Set of hook and line fishing gear ready for fishing
The experimental fishing with mosquito net, a non-selective gear, yielded a diversity of fish species
weighing a total of 538.59 g (Plate 4-7) after 33 minutes. The catch rate of the experimental fishing
was 16.32 g/minute which is relatively high; indicating high fish abundance in the river. Table 4-7
shows the composition of the catch and associated fish sizes. Fish sizes was a mix of small and medium
sized fishes; an indicator of an overfished population. There were eleven species made up of nine fin-
fish species and two crustacean species.
Plate 4-7: Diverse fish species caught during experimental fishing
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 78 January 2018.
Table 4-7: Composition of the catch and associated fish sizes
Name of fish Common name Number of
specimens
TL / cm (size
range)
Body weight / g (size
range)
Hemichromis fasciatus Banded jewelfish 6 7.2 - 13.0 6.3 - 35.4
Mugil cephalus Flathead grey mullet
3 19.9 - 23.5 79.8 - 126.7
Hepsetus odoe African pike characin
14 3.8 - 10.8 0.4 - 13.8
Hemichromis
bimaculatus
Jewel Cichlid 3 6.0 - 7.8 4.67 - 8.9
Pellonula sp. Smalltoothed pellonula
26 4.0 - 9.7 0.8 - 11.7
Parachana obscura Obscure snakehead
1 16.5 36.16
Gobiodes sp. Goby 3 7.0 - 9.5 3.7 - 9.7
Schilbe mystus African butter catfish
1 7.6 3.28
Alestes sp. African Characidae 4 18.0 - 24.5 9.0 - 35.2
**Penaeus sp. Giant tiger prawn 8 2.5 - 5.8 1.8 - 4.5
**Macrobrachium sp. Giant river prawn 3 4.9 - 9.8 2.3 - 7.5
** Crustacean
During catch assessment, the fisherman who set his net at 5 pm the previous day and inspected them
at 5 am next morning, duration of 12 hours, had a catch dominated (44 specimens) by Mugil sp. (Grey
mullet) (Plate 4-8). The other species in the catch was four specimens of Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus.
The catch rate of this fisherman is moderately high while the fish sizes are medium and of prime
marketable size. He indicated a dependence on fishing for livelihood to support his household size of
eight persons.
Plate 4-8: Catch of a Fisherman, dominated by Mugil sp., after 12 hours of fishing effort
Fishermen overwhelmingly agreed that the river was rich in fish diversity in abundance that supports
their livelihoods. Interviews revealed that in addition to fish enumerated above in fisheries survey the
following species are also found in the river: Mormyrus sp., Gnathonemus tamandua, Polypterus
senegalus, Heterotis niloticus, Gymnarchus niloticus, Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Synodontis sp.,
Malapterus electricus, Lates niloticus, and a range of Tilapia and Clarias species. Fishers noted that
the Citharinus spp. is rare and not caught in recent years.
The above high species richness of the river provide evidence that the project site and its surroundings
are habitat for a number of economically and ecologically important plant and animals. There is the
need for planned biodiversity management strategies with the commencement of project activities.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 79 January 2018.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Volta River at Kpong is very productive and has high flora and fauna biodiversity that need to be
protected. The flora and faunal biodiversity supports human livelihoods in the catchment. When
carefully managed, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on aquatic biodiversity
and the livelihood of inhabitants of the area. It is recommended that the project can ensure all the
slow moving areas of the river are made to flow through the clearing and thinning of the thick aquatic
vegetation around the banks.
4.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment
4.3.1 Demographic Characteristics
According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census (PHC), the total population of North Tongu
District was 89,777, representing 4.2% of the Volta Region’s population and 0.4% of the national
population. Females are 47,285 representing 52.7% of the population of the district, with the male
population at 42,492 (47.3%). About 60% of the population is in the rural areas. The population of the
district is youthful, with 38% of the population in the 0-14 age group, depicting a broad base
population pyramid which tapers off with a small number of elderly persons. The districts age
dependency ratio is 79.5 dependents (children and old age) for every 100 people working, and the
dependency ratios for males and females are 81.9 and 77.5 respectively for every 100 persons in the
working ages.
All settlements within the project zone are rural by population and function as their current population
are below the 5,000 people minimum threshold for urban centres in Ghana. Table 4-8 presents the
current population size and household structure of the communities in the project area.
Table 4-8: Population distribution in the project area
Communities 2010 Male (2010) Female (2010)
2016 No. % No. %
Agyimakope 45 17 37.8 28 62.2 52
Alabonu 786 358 45.5 428 54.5 911
Azagonorkope 273 128 46.9 145 53.1 316
Fodzoku 1,529 739 48.3 790 51.7 1773
Gblornu 414 209 50.5 205 49.5 480
Kasa 23 13 56.5 10 43.5 26
Nakpoe 205 99 48.3 106 51.7 237
Nyiflakpo 65 31 47.7 34 52.3 75
Sokope 384 210 54.7 174 45.3 445
Torgorme 1,436 668 46.5 768 53.5 1665
Ziakpoe 93 46 49.5 47 50.5 107
Total 5,253 2,518 47.9 2,735 52.1 6093
Source: 2010 Population Census Report. 2016 figures extrapolated using 2.5% annual intercensal growth rate.
4.3.2 Education and Literacy
The North Tongu District has various educational facilities, comprising 5 Senior High Schools (SHS), 53
Junior High Schools (JHS), 119 primary schools and 79 pre-schools. According to the 2010 Population
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 80 January 2018.
and Housing Census, 26.5% have never attended school. Out of the population of persons 3 years and
older, who are currently in school, 49% are in primary school, while 19.8% are in Junior High School.
There are more males (51.2%) than females (48.8%) attending school.
There are more literates (52.86%) than non-literates (47.14%) in the North Tongu District. Considering
the population 11 years and above, 82.7% of males are literate and 66.7% of females are non-literate.
The majority (70%) of the literate population 11 years and older are literate in English and Ghanaian
language.
Table 4-9 shows the available schools (Primary and JHS) in the communities in the project area. Where
there is no school in the community, the nearest town where community members attend school is
shown in bracket. There is no SHS in the project area.
Table 4-9: Schools (Primary & JHS) in the Project Area
No. Community Primary School /(nearest town attend) JHS /(nearest town attended)
1. Torgorme Torgorme Evangelical Presbyterian Basic School
2. Azagornorkope Azagornorkope D/A Primary School - /(Torgorme & Fodzoku)
3. Nyiflakpo Nyiflakpo D/A Primary School - /(Torgorme)
4. Sokope - /(Nyiflakpo) - /(Torgorme)
5. Napkoe - /(Nyiflapko) - /(Torgorme)
6. Gblornu Gblornu D/A Primary School - /(Alabonu, Asutuare*, Kadjanya*)
7. Kassa - /(Gblornu, Asutuare*) - /(Gblornu, Asutuare*)
8. Deikope - /(Nyiflakpo) - /(Torgorme)
9. Daledokope - /(Alabonu, Asutuare*) - /(Alabonu, Asutuare*)
10. Alabonu Alabonu D/A Primary and JHS
*Community located across the Volta River in the Shai Osudoku District
4.3.3 Employment and Economy
About 66.3% of the population in the North Tongu District aged 15 years and older are economically
active whiles 33.7% are not economically active. Of the economically active population, 95.8% are
employed while 4.2% are unemployed. More females (55%) are employed as compared to males
(45%). For those who are not economically active, a greater percentage of them are in full time
education (53.3%); with pensioners being the lowest (1.9%).
The economy of the North Tongu District is agrarian with more than half (57.2%) of the employed
population engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishery, whiles 15.3% are involved in sales and services.
Wholesale, retail, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles accounts for 12.9% of the employed
population, with manufacturing making up 10%. The majority of the employed population engaged in
skilled agriculture and fishery are women, constituting 53%. This is similar for those engaged in
services and sales with females constituting 82% and males 18%.
Table 4-10 shows the primary and secondary occupations for both males and females in the
communities in the project area. Crop farming is the main source of livelihood in the project area.
Secondary livelihoods include livestock rearing, fish farming, pottery, petty trading and charcoal
production. Charcoal burning thrives due to the availability of acacia species. In the communities
where pottery is a source of livelihood, clay deposits are found in those areas. The secondary
livelihoods are mainly to support the incomes from crop farming, which is currently not sustainable.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 81 January 2018.
Table 4-10: Primary and Secondary Occupations in the Project Area
No.
Community
Primary Occupation Secondary Occupation
Males Females Males Females
1. Torgorme Crop farming, fishing Crop farming,
trading
Livestock rearing Pottery
2. Azagornorkope Crop farming Charcoal burning, livestock rearing
3. Sokope Crop farming Charcoal burning Charcoal burning,
pottery
4. Napkoe Crop farming Basket weaving,
charcoal burning
Charcoal burning,
pottery
5. Gblornu Crop farming Fishing, charcoal
burning, livestock
rearing
Fishing, petty
trading, charcoal
burning, livestock
rearing
6. Kassa Crop farming Charcoal burning, fishing
7. Deikope Crop farming Livestock rearing Charcoal burning,
petty trading
8. Daledokope Crop farming Charcoal burning, livestock rearing
9. Alabonu Crop farming Fishing, charcoal burning
4.3.4 Agriculture
Agriculture is the most important economic activity in the district, with the majority of the employed
population engaged in it. However, agriculture in the district is dominated by small-scale farmers who
are unorganised and depend mainly on simple labour-intensive production methods. This creates
opportunities for nucleus agriculture investor to support the smallholder farmers to increase their
productivity and recoup the investments made. The major crops cultivated in the district are maize,
cassava, groundnuts, sugarcane, vegetables, cowpea, rice, oil palm and mangoes. Farming is mainly
rain-fed.
Farmers farm on family lands or are into sharecropping. This notwithstanding, training using the
Farmer Based Organisation approach was provided under the MIDA facility, especially, for horticulture
products as the intention was to develop the small scale farmers within the project zone into out
growers. This has improved knowledge of basic agricultural practises and formation of Farmer Based
Organisations among the farmers. Under the MIDA project, eight hundred and ninety three (893)
farmers in fifteen (15) Farmers Based Organisations went through training in farming practising, basic
book keeping and group dynamics among others. Of these, six hundred and seventy seven (677) were
allotted plots under the scheme. Nonetheless, more training will be required to improve productivity
and achieve the commercialisation objective of this project.
The project area is beginning to see investments in commercial/mechanised agriculture as medium
/large scale entities like Vegpro, Anyako Farms and Jaspong Farms have taken up concessions under
irrigation cultivating between 3 and 96 hectares of maize, vegetables and rice. The Aveyime area is
particularly suitable for rice cultivation, with several individual farmers from the area engaged in rice
production.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 82 January 2018.
The livestock sector forms an integral part of the farming system in both the North Tongu District and
within the project command area. The presence of grass and water bodies in the project district
supports the production of livestock. In view these, households in the project zone rear livestock such
as goats, local poultry and sheep mostly on subsistence basis. More than 30% of the farming families
in the district keep some ruminants in the form goats, sheep and pigs as well as chicken (North Tongu
District Assembly, 2014). Apart from the major cattle ranches at Adidokpawu and Aveyime, individual
farmers keep kraals all over the District. Pastoralists also rear cattle and goats within the command
area.
Fishing serves as the main economic activity among inhabitants along the Volta River. Traditional
methods are usually employed for fishing including the use of traps, cast nets and hook and line.
Streams and ponds in the district provide avenues for fishing and aqua-culture, however these are
heavily silted and overgrown with aquatic weeds.
4.3.5 Water Supply and Sanitation
The North Tongu District benefits from a Joint District Water Scheme called the Three District Water.
The scheme provides water to some of the communities in the district. Other sources such as hand
dug wells, rivers and dams serve as other sources of water.
According to information obtained from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency of the North
Tongu District by WAPCOS, only Torgorme and Fodzoku have access to pipe borne water. There is also
a borehole at Sokope. However, the Sokope community reported that the borehole water is salty,
hence not used for drinking or for other domestic purposes. A community water treatment system
constructed at Napkoe to provide potable water to Nakpoe, Sokope and other neighbouring
communities has also not been functional for about three (3) years now. GCAP will restore the Water
Treatment System as part of the rehabilitation and modernization of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation
Scheme.
Some of the communities in the project area such as Nakpoe, Deikope, Sokope, Nyiflakpoe, Nyiflakope
and Agyimakope therefore depend on the Nyifla Lake and streams/rivers that drain the project zone
or the existing canals constructed by MiDA as source of water for drinking and other domestic
purposes. Communities such as Gblornu, Kassa, Daledokope and Alabonu which are along the Volta
River depend on the Volta River for drinking water and water for other domestic purposes.
In terms of sanitation facilities only Torgorme and Fodzoku have public toilets. In the absence of public
places of convenience, the residents within communities in the project zone resort to pit latrines and
open defecation. GCAP as part of the rehabilitation and modernization of the irrigation scheme, will
provide some basic sanitation facilities in the project fringe communities.
4.3.6 Health
There are twelve (12no.) health facilities spread across the district. These are under the management
of the Ghana Health Services and the Christian Health Association of Ghana. The only hospital – Battor
Catholic Mission Hospital – is located in the district capital. The other health facilities include 6no.
Health Centres, 3no. Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Centres and 1no. private
clinic.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 83 January 2018.
The three (3) public health facilities located close to the command area are the Juapong, Fodzoku and
Torgorme health centres. There are no medical doctors in these three facilities which are manned by
nurses and midwives. There is a new CHPS compound being built at Alabonu.
The top 10 Out Patient Department (OPD) cases recorded in the district in 2014 (in order of
prevalence) are malaria, anaemia, upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension, gynaecological
conditions, rheumatism and joint pains, diarrhoea, intestinal worms, acute respiratory tract infection,
skin diseases and all other diseases (North Tongu District Health Directorate, 2014). The major causes
of morbidity in the North Tongu District between 2009 and 2016 are malaria, unitary tract infections
(notably bilharzia) and upper respiratory tract infections.
4.3.7 Culture, Tourism and Religion
The major traditional areas in the district include Battor, Volo, Dofor, Juapong and Dussor Traditional
Areas. The project site is under Torgorme Traditional Area. The people are predominantly Ewes.
Various festivals are celebrated by the traditional authorities in the area. These festivals provide
opportunities to mobilize resources for development. Common festivals celebrated in the district
include Hogbeza, Ayimagonu, Afenorto and Tugbedzo. Tourism potentials in the district are linked
with the Volta River. Resorts along the River provide serene environments for tourists. The tourism
potential in the district is currently underexploited.
Christianity is the predominant religion in the North Tongu District constituting about 83% of the total
population with Traditionalists and Muslims forming 6.4% and 3.6% of the districts population,
respectively according to the 2010 population and housing census. Those who practice no religion in
the District stand at 6.3%.
4.3.8 Land Tenure and Access to Land
Land Ownership for the KLBIP
The government of Ghana took over the entire land for the KLBIP in 1975 through Executive
Instrument E.I. 162 of 1975. The purpose of taking over the land was to establish ADCL (Agricultural
Development Company Limited) to cultivate raw materials to feed the defunct Akosombo Textiles
factory. Land in the area originally belonged to three clans – Gave Afegame, Gave Afeviame and Torfi.
The present custodian of the land is the Torgome Chief since the area falls within the purview of the
Torgorme Traditional Area Authority.
General Land Tenure in District General land ownership in the district is also vested in the customary law families. Grants are
specifically made by the head of family. Each member of the family has equal right to land within the
confines of the family’s land. There is no discrimination between the sexes with respect to the grant
of lands. Women have access to land if requested from the respective family heads. Dispute resolution
regarding land ownership is referred to the family head where it involves the same family members.
However, where there are boundary disputes involving members from different clans, the two clan
heads are brought in to resolve the dispute. Where there is a failure, it is referred to the Traditional
Council for settlement.
Land is acquired by renting or lease depending on the duration of interest. The normal duration for a
long lease approved by the Government of Ghana (GoG) is 90 years. The individual landowner is
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 84 January 2018.
contacted for hiring small parcel of land for farming purposes, but the Chief is involved when it is for
large-scale commercial purposes.
4.3.9 Taboos and Culturally Sensitive Areas
In spite of the fact that most of people in the project district are Christians, the communities in the
project zone have retained some cultural and traditional systems. They believe in the existence of
deities and have taboos and sacred places within project zone. There are scared forest (grooves), rivers
and lakes within the command area which are designated culturally sensitive areas for the local
population which must be protected or may require that certain rituals are performed before the
commencement of works in the area. These are presented in Table 4-11.
Table 4-11: Taboos and Culturally Sensitive Areas within the Project Area
Community Taboos Sacred / Culturally Sensitive Areas
within the Command Area
Torgorme No farming on Saturdays and
Mondays
Hoes used in the Northern Ghana to
farm can not to be used in the area
No entering of the Nyifla Lake on
Fridays
Women menstruating are not
supposed to enter the Nyifla Lake
None
Azagonorkope No farming on Saturdays and Mondays
Hoes used in the Northern Ghana to
farm can not to be used in the area
None
Sokope/
Nyiflakpo
No farming on Saturdays and Mondays
Hoes used in the Northern Ghana to
farm can not to be used in the area
No crossing of the Nyifla Lake on
Fridays
Sokope cemetery
Nyifla Lake
Kpedze forest
Libation must be poured by the
community head to the “Nyifla Lake
and Kpedze” Forest before works
begin.
Nakpoe No farming on Saturdays and Mondays
Hoes used in the Northern Ghana to
farm can not to be used in the area
Sacred groove
Cemetery
Alabornu No farming on Saturdays and Mondays
Hoes used in the Northern Ghana to
farm are not to be used on land in the
Area
Alabo and Gbagbavi gods
Libation must poured to the gods
“Alabo and Gbagbavi”
Gblornu No farming on Saturdays and Monday Spdegbe god
Libation must be poured to the god
“Spdegbe” before works can start Source: Adapted from the Environmental Scoping Report on the KLBIP to GCAP by WAPCOS, March 2016
Some of the taboos in Table 4-11 are not being enforced due to modernity and penetration of
Christian beliefs and values in the project zone. Notable among them are the ban on farming on
Saturdays and Mondays and barring women in mensuration from entering the Nyifla Lake. This
notwithstanding, the ban on using hoes of northern Ghana origin in tilling lands within the command
area is still being enforced.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 85 January 2018.
5.0 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
5.1 Objectives
Stakeholder participation during project planning, design and implementation has now become
universally recognised as an integral part of environmental and social impact assessment process.
Local communities, government, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) may all be able to
contribute to and benefit from dialogue directed at identifying and resolving key project-related issues.
Stakeholder consultation is a two-way flow of information and dialogue between project proponents
and stakeholders. It is specifically aimed at developing ideas that can help shape project design,
resolve conflicts at an early stage, assist in implementing solutions and monitor progress.
Specifically, the stakeholder engagement seeks to achieve the following objectives:
To provide information about the proposed irrigation project to stakeholders;
To educate stakeholders on the need for the proposed project;
To provide opportunities to stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns;
To enhance the project designs and implementation by learning from, and incorporating the
expertise of individuals, professionals, communities and organisations;
To provide and discuss with stakeholders alternatives considered to reduce anticipated impacts
and risks;
To manage expectations and misconceptions regarding the project;
To discuss the significance of environmental, social and health impacts and risks identified;
To inform the process of developing appropriate mitigation, monitoring and management
measures; and
To facilitate and maintain dialogue with key stakeholders throughout the project implementation
phase.
5.2 Identification of stakeholders
The stakeholder identification was based on organizations/institutions/communities/persons to be
involved or affected or have interest in relation to the project scope of works and the geopolitical and
traditional setting of the project area as well as document review. The main considerations in the
stakeholder group selection process are:
Relevant regulatory institutions;
Local government authorities within the project area (district assemblies);
Other relevant government institutions which may be involved or have direct interest;
Traditional authorities/land owners with influence on the project lands;
Project affected persons or communities; and
Relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s).
As part of the ESIA study, stakeholders identified for consultations include:
Regulatory Institutions
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Head Office, Accra;
Water Resources Commission, Accra;
Volta River Authority, Akuse/Akosombo;
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA);
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 86 January 2018.
Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of MoFA, Accra;
Ghana National Fire Service; and
Factories Inspectorate Department, Accra.
Local Government Body
North Tongu District Assembly
Decentralized government institutions under the North Tongu District Administration
(Department of Agriculture, District Health Management Team, District Education,
Department Community Water and Sanitation Agency, National Disaster Management
Organisation (NADMO), Town and Country Planning Department
Other Government Institutions
Lands Commission, Accra;
Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, Accra/Ho;
Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crop Research Institute (CSIR-CRI);
CSIR- Soil Research Institute;
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG); and
Ghana Meteorological Agency, Accra.
Traditional Authorities/Councils
Torgorme Traditional Council, Torgorme
Local communities close to the project site
Torgorme;
Azagonorkope;
Sokope/Nyiflakpo;
Nakpoe;
Alabonu; and
Gblornu/Ziakpoe.
Commercial farms in the project area
Vegpro Ghana Ltd; and
Anyarko Farms Ltd.
Farmer Based Organizations (FBO)
Torgorme Area Cooperative Farmers Union (TACFU);
Afenya Group;
Miator Group;
Dzibgordi Group;
Nenyo Group; and
Veviedodo Group.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 87 January 2018.
5.3 Outcome and Evidence of Consultations
The Design Consultants (WAPCOS) and SAL Consult have held various levels of consultations with
relevant stakeholders. The design consultants (WAPCOS) and their technical experts on the project
have been involved with consultations with key stakeholders at the district and national levels,
including traditional authorities, local communities, district assembly, MoFA, Volta River Authority
(VRA), Farmer Based groups and commercial irrigation companies in the project area.
The discussions centred on issues such as:
Description of the proposed project;
Land acquisition and compensation;
Challenges associated with the MiDA irrigation scheme;
Operational level management;
How to minimise land degradation, air and water pollution;
Settlement expansion and buffer areas for settlements;
Prevention of water related diseases including malaria and schistosomiasis (bilharzias);
Sustenance of livelihoods of men and women in the charcoal production and pottery
businesses;
Environmental concerns for flora and fauna; and
Social infrastructure requirements.
5.3.1 Overview of the Design Consultants’ Consultations
Table 5-1 contains a summary of outcomes of consultations with relevant stakeholders in the project.
Evidence of stakeholder engagement by the design consultant is provided in Annex 4.
Table 5-1: Summary of consultation outcomes by the Design Consultants in 2016
Stakeholders Project Appreciation Project concerns/apprehensions /risks
Environmental
Protection Agency,
Accra
Generation of Employment
opportunities
Improvement in food
security
Flooding due to rainfall and design and
construction flaws
Public health concerns like increase in the
incidence of malaria
Gaps between the Ghana’ Environmental
Protection Agency requirements and the
World Bank requirements
GCAP Environmental
/ Social Desk
The project is considering all
kinds of farmers
Meeting World Bank and Ghana EPA
requirements for the preparation of ESIA
Speedy implementation of study to
achieve project objectives
Volta River Authority The project will economically
benefit the communities in the
area.
Impact on the Kpong Dam
Requested for a formal/detailed
description of the project
Impact on the communities within the
project zone
District Coordinating
Director / Planning
Officer
Employment and income
for farmers
Project sustainability
Land allocation
Operation and maintenance of the new
scheme
Project impact on people’s properties and
land take
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 88 January 2018.
Stakeholders Project Appreciation Project concerns/apprehensions /risks
District Agriculture
Officer
Increased farm yields
Reliable access to water for
animals and crops
Continuous crop
production all year
Generation of employment
Food security
Flooding fields due to blocking of water
bodies and poor land preparation
Provision of cattle crossings and provision
of drinking ponds
District Education
Officer
It will improve incomes and
probably more parents can put
their wards in school
Expansion of schools in the project area to
accommodate the expected increase in
population due to the project.
Children dropping out of school to work on
farms and rear livestock
Assistant District
Health Officer
Employment opportunities
Possibility of providing
social amenities like
potable water to reduce
the disease burden
As farmers will be handling pesticides and
other agrochemicals, the health personnel in
the district needs training in how to handle
diseases and associated poisoning and
contamination
Department of
Community
Development/ Gender
Creation of employment
opportunities
Income for farmers in the
communities within the
command areas
Lack of water and sanitation facilities within
the communities in the project zone can causes
diseases
Farmer based organisations and project communities
Torgorme Employment opportunities
Increased income
Access to irrigated land for
year-round agriculture
Water pollution due to agrochemicals
draining into water bodies which serves as
sources of water for drinking and other
domestic purposes for residents in the
area
Land acquisition and compensation issues
Incorporate social interventions like
construction of a well-equipped health
center.
Disruption of livelihood of charcoal
burners and pottery makers as a result of
project
Conflict between cattle herdsmen and
crop farmers as cattle sometimes destroy
their crops
Flooding of the fields after rainfall and
water not reaching some parts of the fields
Azagonorkope Employment opportunities
Increased income
Access to irrigated land for
year-round agriculture
Dust pollution as a result of land
preparation /leveling and cutting down
trees near the community
Water pollution as a result of
agrochemicals draining into water bodies
that serve as a source of water for
residents
Land acquisition and compensation issues
Disruption of livelihoods of charcoal
burners and pottery makers as a result of
cutting down acacia trees used for
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 89 January 2018.
Stakeholders Project Appreciation Project concerns/apprehensions /risks
charcoal and firewood and the project
taking up sources of clay for making pots
Safety of children and road users during
the construction of the irrigation
infrastructure
Sokope/ Nyiflakpo Increased income
Employment opportunities
Land acquisition and compensation issues
Water pollution
Incorporate social interventions
Disruption of livelihood as a result of
project
Conflict between cattle herdsman and
farmers as cattle destroys their crops
Grazing grounds and drinking pond will be
depleted under the project
Nakpoe Employment opportunities
Increased income
Access to irrigated land for
year-round agriculture
Dust pollution during clearing and
construction phase
Water pollution as the treatment plant
that serves the community and other
adjoining communities is not functioning.
The people fetch water from nearby water
bodies which can be contaminated with
agro-chemicals
Land acquisition and compensation issues
Disruption of livelihood for charcoal
burners and potters as a result of project
Diseases and health problems
Water not reaching some plots due to
poor leveling of the fields
Alabonu Employment opportunities
Increased income
Access to irrigated land for
year-round agriculture
Area will be opened to
commercial farming
Dust pollution during the construction
phase, land preparation and leveling
Water pollution from agrochemicals
Land acquisition and compensation issues
Incorporate social interventions
Disruption of livelihood as a result of
project
Diseases and health problems
The irrigation scheme will limit settlement
expansion
Gblornu/Ziakpoe Employment opportunities
Increased income
Access to irrigated land for
year-round agriculture
Land acquisition and compensation Issues
Incorporate social interventions
Disruption of livelihood as a result of
project
Diseases and health problems
Delays in implementation leading to
landless and food insecurity
5.3.2 Overview of SAL Consult Consultations
The stakeholders engaged by SAL Consult Ltd and their concerns/ issues raised are presented in Table
5-2. Evidence of stakeholder engagement by SAL Consult Ltd are presented in Annex 5. Table 5-2 also
provides a summary of previous consultations with relevant stakeholders with respect to the Anyako
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 90 January 2018.
Farms Project, a selected grantee firm under GCAP within the KLBIP area and similar stakeholders as
the KLBIP.
Table 5-2: Summary of concerns/issues raised by stakeholders from SAL Consult engagement
Stakeholder/
Institution/ Location
Concerns Raised/ Information Received
Institutions
Department of
Agriculture, North
Tongu District
-Relevant information was provided on how the department will provide technical
services through Agriculture Extension Agents (AEA) to famers on the scheme.
-Provided information on training programmes for farmers to enhance, productivity
and marketing.
-Some identified challenges discussed were:
Canals constructed under the MiDA project were not of good quality and are
already deteriorating
Lack of water for some farms on the scheme
-Recommendations:
Slope of land needs to be re-evaluated to help even water distribution
The design should include plans to recycle waste water to prevent
contamination of other water bodies
Sensitization of farmers of the project
Animals must be integrated to prevent livestock from being a nuisance to
farmers
- Recommended that used agro-chemical containers should be returned to the
suppliers as a means of disposal.
North Tongu District
Assembly
Benefits of the scheme should include employment, technology transfer between
farmers
Concerns raised on land issues, which need to be well managed within the
scheme to prevent conflicts
The Assembly serves as the local authority in communities to help as facilitators
for projects to benefit the district/local communities
The Assembly is willing to help with any collaborations on the project.
North Tongu District
Health Directorate
Relevant Information was provided on the Diseases and Health status of the
district.
Traditional Authorities/Farmer Based Organizations/Project Communities
Torgorme Traditional
Council/ Farmer Based
Organizations/
Torgorme Community
Job opportunities should be provided for the local communities
Alternative livelihoods should be provided for the communities during the
construction period.
Buffer area should be created between canal and communities.
Land allocation should be at least 1 acre.
Access roads at the project site should be repaired.
Reservoirs should be created to ensure continuous water availability for farming.
Canal poses threat to children and community members, hence safety measures
should be put in place.
Alabonu Community Smallholder farmers should be prioritized in land allocation.
Rice farming is the main occupation, hence they want to continue doing rice
farming under the project.
Plot allocations should take into consideration existing farm sizes of the
community members and distance of the communities to the plots.
Compensation should be paid to farmers who may be affected.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 91 January 2018.
Stakeholder/
Institution/ Location
Concerns Raised/ Information Received
Project may lead to pollution of Alabo River, which is the main source of drinking
water.
Kassa/Daledokope
Communities
Employment opportunities should be created for youth in the community.
Sections of canals close to communities should be fenced.
Existing canal roads are unmotorable when it rains and should be fixed.
Canal is close to the community and may affect future community expansion.
Farm machinery should be provided to assist the farmers.
Gblornu Community Project will bring benefits to the community.
Women should be equally considered in land allocation.
Alternative livelihoods should be provided during construction period.
A “buffer area” should be left between the project side and communities to cater
for future community expansion.
Canals should not be close to the communities.
Nakpoe/ Deikope
Communities
The project will negatively affect grazing of livestock at the project area.
Canals pose threat to the safety of the community.
Alternative livelihoods should be provided for persons whose livelihoods may be
affected, such as charcoal burners and pot makers.
Community members should be provided with job opportunities.
Azagonorkope
Community
Access road to the communities have been destroyed by the existing canals.
Bridges should be constructed at sections of the canals to aid movement of
people and animals.
The livelihood of charcoal burners and pot makers will be affected by the project.
Roads along the existing canal are very bad, which affects carting of produce to
market centres.
Employment opportunities should be created for the local communities.
Sokope Community Initial designs show canal is close to the community. This should be re-considered.
Potential conflict between livestock owners and farmers.
Copy of ESIA report should be made available to the community.
Community should be prioritized during land allocation.
Project timelines should be communicated to the community to enable them
plan.
Safety measures should be put in place to prevent drowning in the canals.
Table 5-3: Relevant sections of consultations on the Anyako Farm Project, which is within the KLBIP area
Stakeholder Concerns Raised/ Information Received
Ghana
Commercial
Agriculture
Project (GCAP)
Provided relevant information and documents on project implementation and
environmental and social concerns including:
the need for independent assessment of the project’s impacts to aid in decision making;
pollution prevention and remediation;
local content; and
stressed on “do no harm” and “do good” principle.
Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA), Volta
Regional Office,
Ho
The Regional EPA is aware of the GCAP projects within the Region and is interested in
the land acquisition process for the various farms.
Labour migration to the project sites is of key interest to the EPA.
The environmental monitoring and management plan should include soil analysis. This
should include the soil living organisms to determine the effect of agrochemicals.
The maintenance regime of the machinery to be used should be considered since it
could have effects on air pollution.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 92 January 2018.
Stakeholder Concerns Raised/ Information Received
The option of resending agrochemical containers to suppliers for reuse should be
considered under GCAP project.
Energy efficiency should be considered.
Ghana Irrigation
Development
Authority (GIDA),
Ho
The GIDA Regional office has oversight responsibility of water resources in the region
for irrigation, watering of livestock and aquaculture.
Feasibility studies are carried out by GIDA for all their facilities which involves key
stakeholders such as the Environmental Protection Agency. For all the GIDA facilities
that are going to be used by the GCAP project, some feasibility studies have been
carried out including some form of impact assessment which involved EPA.
As much as possible, the use of agrochemicals should be minimized.
Bins should be used on the project site to collect agrochemical containers for proper
disposal.
All those depending on GIDA facilities automatically become part of the Water Users
Association and they must attend regular meetings.
Irrigation service charge must be paid by all those using GIDA facilities.
Drainage systems are also included in the design of irrigation systems and these are
occasionally maintained.
CSIR – Soil
Research
Institute, Accra
Soil fertility studies should be conducted at the project site to determine requirements
for fertilizer.
Irrigation can result in salinization of soils.
Farmers have to be trained on water management.
Ghana National
Fire Service
(GNFS) – Volta
Regional Office,
Ho.
Bush fires are prominent in the region and the GNFS takes bush fire issues very
seriously.
Electricity would be used at the proposed project sites in the region and bush fires burn
some of the poles. Other properties including homes are destroyed in bushfires.
The regional office will collaborate with the district offices to monitor the project sites.
Ghana National
Fires Service
(GNFS) – North
Tongu District,
Battor
Farmers and workers would have to be trained on how to control fire at the initial
stages before GNFS reaches the scene in case of a fire outbreak.
The farms will require fire hydrants and fire extinguishers for emergency cases. They
would need the assistance of the GNFS in installing these equipment.
GNFS will issue a fire certificate to the proponent after these equipment have been
properly installed.
The fire certificate will have to be renewed annually and the GNFS will have to inspect
the site for the renewal of the certificate.
Fire belts will have to be created around the farms (about 20 meters width) to control
bushfires.
Some of the farmers will have to be trained as fire volunteers.
MOFA, North
Tongu District,
Battor
The MOFA district office has 9 agricultural extension officers and supervisors to provide
extension services at various areas of the district including good agronomic practices
such as using certified planting material, good land preparation, early weed control,
use of insecticides, etc.
Farmers are also trained on the safe use of agrochemicals, the right PPE’s to use and
on management of agrochemical containers.
Farmers are advised to harvest cereals early to reduce pest infestation.
Farmers are advised strongly not to recycle agrochemical containers.
The district has 15 operational areas, however only 9 are currently being managed
effectively due to inadequate extension officers.
Farmers along the river bank are advised not to farm close to the banks of the rivers. A
buffer of about 200m should be left between the farms and river banks.
Sand winning activities along the Volta River affects fishing through lubricants which
get into the river.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 93 January 2018.
Stakeholder Concerns Raised/ Information Received
Land Commission,
Land Valuation
Division, Volta
Region, Ho
Main concern is with compensation issues after the lands have been acquired.
For lands acquired by private investors, the Land Commission will have to register the
lands. For such lands, the private investor may handle compensation issues on their
own or may involve the Land Valuation Office.
Forestry
Commission,
Volta Regional
Office, Ho
If there are economic trees on the project site, the Forestry Commission should be
involved else if the economic trees are felled, the District Assembly and the state will
lose revenue.
Some trees could be left on the site to provide benefits such as fodder and fuelwood.
Sources of water for irrigation should be protected by not farming in areas around the
banks.
Communities upstream of water bodies should be involved in protecting them.
The Forestry Commission has two offices in the region- Denu and Sogakope. These
should be consulted to help farmers identify any economic trees on their lands.
Bush fires are rampant in the region therefore prevention and control of wildfires
should be critically considered.
Planning
Department,
North Tongu
District, Battor
Stakeholder consultation should be a major consideration for the project, mainly
farmers, landowners and traditional authorities. This will eliminate or reduce any land
disputes.
The project should be sustainable so the project does not collapse in future like other
similar projects in the district.
About 60% of the population in the North Tongu District are engaged in agriculture,
with women being more than men. Women’s views should therefore be a key
consideration in the design of project.
Health
Directorate,
North Tongu
District, Battor
Malaria is the major disease in the district. Other diseases are diarrhoea and skin
diseases.
Diarrhoea is associated with the water situation in the district. Many areas depend on
collected water in ponds and streams are shared with animals resulting in diarrhoea.
Portable water is a challenge in the district.
Teenage pregnancy and acute respiratory tract (ART) infections are other health
challenges/ diseases in the district.
Even though there is a Health Centre at Torgorme with community health nurses and
midwives to provide health care for the community, there is the need for health
education for the community and the community health nurses on agrochemicals and
the necessary precautionary measures.
North Tongu
District Assembly,
Battor
Due processes must be followed. Any projects within the district that are not registered
with the district assembly will not be recognized by the assembly.
The Assembly is happy with such upcoming projects and will be willing to lend their
support to any projects within the district, but this will only be done when due
processes are followed.
Also such projects provide employment opportunities for people within the district,
hence the assembly will wish to support such projects. The assembly therefore urges
all projects within the district to register with the Assembly and follow due process.
Torgorme
Traditional
Council
Assembly man –
Torgorme
Electoral Area
Benefits of project to the community.
Performed traditional rites for community entry and survey works on the proposed
project site.
Source: Adapted from the Environmental Scoping Report for Anyako Farms Ltd, April 2016.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 94 January 2018.
5.3.3 Further Consultations with Nakpoe Community after Revised EIS
Following review of the first draft ESIS, SAL Consult Ltd organised further consultations with the
Nakpoe community in collaboration with GCAP. The Nakpoe community is unique in the sense that it
is entirely engulfed by the proposed irrigation scheme area. GCAP organised a meeting with the
traditional leaders and residents of the Nakpoe community on 28 June 2017 in the community (see
Plate 5-1) to discuss details of the proposed project, identified impacts and proposed measures to
mitigate the identified impacts. The meeting was also used to seek community’s free, prior informed
consent for the project implementation. The meeting took the form of general consultations with the
whole community and focus group discussions with adult men, adult women and youth (15-21years).
Evidence of the consultation, including attendance sheets are attached in Annex 5.
Some proposed measures to address community’s concerns were as follows:
GCAP will rehabilitate the existing the water treatment facility at Nakpoe (see Plate 5-2), which
was initially constructed under the MiDA project, to serve as a source of potable water for the
community. This is because the Nyifla Lake, which is currently being used by the community as
their main source of water will be part of the drainage system of the proposed irrigation scheme.
A 25 m buffer area will be maintained between the community and the scheme’s command area.
This will be enhanced and conserved through enrichment planting by the community to provide
productive functions (example: fodder, fuelwood, fruits, etc.) and regulation functions (example:
windbreak functions, screening of agrochemicals in run off, screening of airborne dust, etc.) for
the community.
Farmers in the Nakpoe community will be allocated irrigation blocks/sub-blocks closest to the
community to provide a source of livelihood and ensure that the farmers do not develop within
the safe buffer zones. The farmers will also be much more inclined to adopting responsible social
and environmental measures directed at protecting their communities.
The proposed project will also provide public biofil toilet for the community. Community
members were cautioned to take good care of the water system and the toilet system to be
provided.
The project design has made provisions for livestock watering points and access to grazing areas.
Plate 5-1: Further consultations with the Nakpoe community
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 95 January 2018.
Plate 5-2: Existing water treatment plant at Nakpoe
Response from the community
The community expressed their overwhelming support for the implementation of the proposed
project and believed the recommended mitigation measures to safeguard the interest of the
community were adequate. The following concerns were however expressed for consideration during
the project implementation:
Community members are concerned that promises were made to them in previous projects (e.g.
the MiDA project) and were not fulfilled and hope that the mitigation measures as discussed will
be delivered for the KLBIP.
Those who rear animals are concerned on where the animals will graze since the community will
be surrounded by farm plots.
The Nyifla lake is considered to be sacred so the necessary rites will need to be performed prior
to clearing of vegetation growth in the lake.
From the presentation on the proposed project design and layout, community cemetery and
sacred grove falls within the command area of the scheme. It would be preferable if these are left
undeveloped.
The community suggested that the drains and lake should be regularly sprayed to reduce or
prevent breeding of mosquitoes.
Currently the drains get flooded during rains and spill over to the community. They hoped that
the proposed project will help address this challenge.
5.4 Key Concerns from Stakeholder Consultations
The key concerns/issues raised by the project communities during the stakeholder consultations are
summarised below.
5.4.1 Job opportunities for local communities
One of the main priorities of the project communities is the creation of job opportunities for
community members. There are currently limited/no job opportunities in the communities, especially
for the youth. This has led to many of the youth leaving the communities in search of job opportunities
elsewhere. It is the expectation and plea of the community leaders and members that the project
construction and operation provide jobs for the community members.
5.4.2 Plot allocation
Community members will want to be prioritized during land allocation for the project. The proximity
of plots to communities should also be factored during plot allocations. They would want to be
allocated plots close to their communities to reduce travel time and stress from commuting long
distances to their farm. They noted that they have much bigger stake in ensuring good environmental
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 96 January 2018.
practises on fields near to their communities as any negative impact resulting from unsustainable
practices will first affect them.
5.4.3 Safety concerns
Initial project designs showed that sections of the canals were close to some of the project
communities. This raised a lot of safety concerns from the communities, who requested relocation of
such canals or putting in place safety measures to protect the community members, especially
children.
5.4.4 Buffer zone around communities
From the initial project designs, community members were concerned about not having adequate
land for future buildings due to the proximity of the plots to the communities. They therefore
appealed for a buffer area to be reserved between the communities and the cultivable area, which
could in future be utilized for new buildings where necessary.
5.4.5 Rehabilitation of roads
The roads to the various project communities, which are part of the farm roads created for the existing
scheme, are in a deplorable state. Some sections of the roads become unmotorable during heavy
rains. The communities appeal for the roads to be rehabilitated as part of the proposed project.
5.4.6 Preservation of Cultural Sites
Concerns were raised with regards to the potential infringement of the proposed project on cultural
resources such as cemeteries, sacred groves and shrines in the Sokope, Nyiflakpo, Nakpoe, Alabonu
and Gblornu communities. The communities recommended that these sites are preserved. With
regards to the removal of vegetation from the lakes, the respective chief priests or overseers will need
to perform the necessary rites to permit the activity.
5.5 Scoping Notice Publication and Public Involvement
The EPA indicated in its response to the project registration that a scoping notice be published in one
of the national dailies as part of the public involvement process for the ESIA. The scoping notice was
published in the Daily Graphic of Thursday, 25th August, 2016. A copy of the publication is provided in
Annex 2.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 97 January 2018.
6.0 IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION AND SIGNIFICANCE
The nature of the project, field inspections and observations, concerns from stakeholder consultations
and issues from relevant literature search formed the basis for the identified potential environmental
and social issues and impacts.
6.1 Project Area of Influence
The project areas to be influenced have been grouped under:
Geographical;
Environmental;
Socio-economic;
Community level; and
Institutional/organizational.
6.1.1 Geographical Area of Influence
The immediate geographical area of influence is the proposed 2000 ha of land to be developed under
the irrigation scheme at Torgorme area. The ESIA study also covered the land area covered by the
communities (refer to Section 6.1.4) in the project area. The larger geographical area of influence is
the North Tongu District of the Volta Region of Ghana.
6.1.2 Environmental Media of Influence
The environmental media to be potentially influenced by the activities of the proposed project are
land (landscape), flora/fauna, soil resources, air quality, surface water bodies including Volta River,
Nyifla stream and lake, Alabo stream, and Gblor stream and groundwater resources in the project
zone. The Volta River will serve as the source of water for irrigation and the Volta River, Nyifla and
Gblor streams and Nyifla Lake will be the recipient of any run-off water from the project site. Any
percolation of agrochemicals through the soil may also impact on groundwater resources. The air
quality may also be impacted by dust and gaseous emissions from project activities especially with the
use of equipment/machinery.
6.1.3 Socio-economic Influence of the Project
The proposed irrigation development project will greatly impact on the socio-economic status of local
farmers who will participate in the irrigation scheme, North Tongu District and the nation as a whole.
The project area has low coverage of social amenities as well as low employment opportunities. It is
anticipated that employment opportunities, income levels and economic wellbeing, infrastructure
(roads, education, and health) will be greatly improved from the successful implementation of the
project.
6.1.4 Community Influence and Vulnerable Groups
The implementation of the proposed project could impact on neighbouring communities. The local
communities of concern include Afalikpoe, Agyimakope, Agetklekye, Alabonu, Akpagokope,
Azagonorkope, Bekpoe, Fodzoku, Gblornu, Kasa, Klamakpoe, Klamadaboe, Kpatokope, Nakpoe,
Pokyeku, Sokope, Torgorme and Ziakpoe.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 98 January 2018.
Figure 6-1: Location of communities within the project area (Adapted from the proposed layout map for scheme, WAPCOS Limited)
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 99 January 2018.
The Nakpoe community is entirely engulfed by the proposed irrigation scheme area, and the
Akpagokope, Gblornu, Kasa, Ziakpoe communities are sandwiched between the scheme area and the
Volta River.
Vulnerable Groups
Vulnerable groups are those at risk of becoming worse off due to the proposed project. Vulnerable
people include, but not limited to:
Physically challenged farmers;
Aged farmers, usually from 70 years and above;
very sick and or physically weak individuals;
Widows and female farmers in general;
Female heads of household;
Children; and
Tribal or religious minorities.
6.1.5 Institutional Influence
The major institutions to be influenced or involved in the proposed project include:
Ministry of Food and Agriculture - Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP);
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA);
Lands Commission;
Water Resources Commission;
Environmental Protection Agency;
Ghana National Fire Service;
Department of Factories Inspectorate;
North Tongu District Assembly; and
Torgorme Traditional Council.
6.2 Project Activities of Environmental and Social Concern
6.2.1 Preparatory Phase Activities
Preparatory phase activities are grouped into two (2) as follows:
a) Pre-Construction Phase:
Survey works and feasibility studies;
Stakeholder consultations;
Design of water supply and sanitation facilities for each community;
Engagement of local communities on the acquired land;
Engineering design;
Tender preparation and procurement of works/contract award; and
Statutory permitting activities from EPA.
b) Pre-Agricultural Development and Operational Phase:
Land allocation; and
Scheme organization and management system setup.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 100 January 2018.
6.2.2 Constructional Phase Activities
Constructional phase activities include among others:
Construction of contractor work camps and yard;
Transportation of materials and equipment to site;
Rehabilitation and Improvement of Existing Canal System;
o De-silting and removal of weeds from lined canals;
o Excavation of secondary, tertiary and quaternary canals;
o Removal of redundant structures;
o Repair works – damaged sections of facilities;
o Clearing and stripping of existing canal banks;
o Raising of concrete lining and canal banks (filling and compaction in earthwork);
o Construction works;
o Installation works;
o Disposal of weeds, silt, excavated materials, etc.;
o Re-modelling of existing cross and head regulators.
Extension Works (New Canals);
o Excavation and civil works for canals and drains
o Construction works (including new canals and associated works, cross-drainage
works, cattle crossings, village road bridges, etc.); and
o Installation works.
Installation of Instrumentation for Canal Automation and Discharge Measurement;
Land Development Works;
o Clearing of vegetation and removal of stumps
o Felling of trees
o Land levelling and grading for 2000 ha area
Flood Protection Works;
o Clearing of vegetation, removal of stumps and stripping of earth
o Felling of trees
o Filling and compaction of dykes on both banks of Nyifla
Construction of Drains;
o Excavation of field drains, collector drains and main drains
o Supply and installation of outlet pipes across Nyifla dykes
Construction of Canal Inspection Roads and Access Roads (filling of laterite for roads);
Material storage areas, concrete plant, construction equipment storage, maintenance areas;
Construction of Ancillary Infrastructure (drying floors, warehouses, sheds, etc.);
Miscellaneous Works;
o Construction of well-furnished offices for the consultant(s) and the contractor(s)
o Rehabilitation of materials testing laboratory
o Provision of electricity, water, sanitation facilities on site
Decommissioning of work camps, concrete batch plant; equipment workshop; and
Disposal of construction spoil and waste in general.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 101 January 2018.
6.2.3 Agricultural Development and Operations Phase Activities
Agricultural development and operations phase activities include:
Land/farm development;
Planting/Sowing;
Weed control;
Pest and disease control;
Construction and maintenance of fire belt;
Water abstraction and Irrigation of crops;
Fertilizer and/or manure application;
Harvesting of produce;
Transport of farm inputs and produce;
Post-harvest and storage management;
Maintenance of machinery/ equipment and irrigation facilities (e.g. canals, intake structure
etc.);
Materials management and storage (including agrochemicals, fertilizers, tools, etc.);
Warehouse management and security;
Waste management (including farm and office waste); and
Marketing.
6.3 Impact Significance Determination
The impact significance rating depends upon:
Area of influence and impact magnitude;
Duration/persistence of impact, whether it is temporary in nature or permanent, reversible
and irreversible;
Sensitivity and value of the receptor;
Compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards;
Concerns and views of stakeholders;
Overall worker comfort; and
Likelihood of an occurrence.
The impacts are rated according to the following categories:
1. An impact of Low Significance referred to as a ‘Minor Impact’ is one where an effect is
experienced, but the impact magnitude is sufficiently small and well within accepted
standards, and/or the receptor is of low sensitivity/value and is temporary;
2. An impact of Medium Significance referred to as a ‘Moderate Impact’, is one which is within
accepted limits and standards. Moderate impacts may cover a broad range, from a threshold
below which the impact is minor, up to a level that might be just short of breaching an
established (legal) limit and is of longer duration; and
3. An impact of High Significance referred to as a ‘Major Impact’ is one where an accepted limit
or standard may be exceeded, or large magnitude impacts occur to highly valued/sensitive
resources/receptors.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 102 January 2018.
6.4 Evaluation of Potential Positive Impacts
The potential positive impacts of the proposed project are listed below with evaluation provided in
Table 6-1.
Employment generation;
Improved crop productivity of farmers;
Enhanced income and livelihoods of farmers;
Increased food production and food security in the district and the country at large;
Improvement in the revenue base of key institutions and regulatory bodies;
Improvement in local and national economy;
Improvement in access roads linking the farms to the various communities; and
Increased climate change adaptation.
Table 6-1: Evaluation of potential positive impacts.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
1. Employment
generation
Community
members,
people from
other
communities
The proposed project will result in the engagement of skilled and unskilled labour during the update of feasibility studies and the land development and constructional phase activities. In addition to employment for farmers, people will be employed for the operation, maintenance and servicing of machinery and equipment during the operational phase of the project. At the feasibility stage, the project has professionals for a range of services including project designs, baseline studies and environmental assessments. It is estimated that not less than 22 key staff will be deployed by the contractor on full time basis for the construction period of 18 months. Additionally, more than 600 temporary staff including truck drivers and their assistants as well as labourers mainly from the project fringe communities. The operational phase of the project will provide employment for the scheme management staff, smallholder farmers who will be allocated lands for farming at the project site and workers who will be engaged by the medium and large scale enterprises such as Anyako Farms Limited and Vegpro.
The project will therefore have a major positive impact on
the socioeconomic conditions of the local communities in the
project area (Torgome, Alabornu, Azagonorkope, Nyiflakpoe,
Nakpoe, Sokope, and Gblornu/Ziakpoe) and the North Tongu
District as a whole through the creation of permanent and
temporary direct jobs as well as indirect jobs.
Major
2. Improved crop
productivity of
farmers
Community
members/local
farmers
The provision of services for participating farmers such as
land preparation, fertilizers, improved seeds, etc. will boost
crop productivity on farms. Irrigation services will enable
farmers to plant all year round and avoid losses during
periods of low rain fall and drought.
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 103 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
Capacity building for farmers and transfer of knowledge will
help them better manage their farms and boost productivity.
The proposed project is therefore expected to have a major
positive impact on the crop productivity of the participating
farmers.
3. Enhanced
income and
livelihood of
farmers
Community
members/
local farmers
The incomes and livelihoods of the participating farmers will be enhanced through the following:
All year round cropping will ensure farmers have reliable
source of income.
Reduction in investment losses by farmers.
Efficient and effective scheme management unit will ensure
ready market for farmers.
Increased crop productivity of farmers will boost their
incomes and livelihoods.
Women will participate in the project will also earn some
income to support their families.
The implementation of the project will inspire commercial
activity in the project area and also provide direct and
indirect jobs. The impact on outgrowers and other workers’
incomes and livelihoods will be major and permanent.
Major
4. Increased food
production and
food security
Local and
national
economies
Currently, approximately 500ha of land developed under the
KLBIP is seldomly used for production because of the
dilapidated state of the existing irrigation network. The
proposed rehabilitation and modernization works will
rehabilitate the existing irrigation network, improve land
development of the 500ha and bring additional 1500ha into
production.
The improved methods of crop production, irrigation and use
of high quality and improved seed varieties will increase food
production in the project area and the country as a whole. It
is also expected that the improved access roads, transport
and storage facilities will significantly reduce post-harvest
losses of farmers on the project. The impact will be major and
of regional extent.
Major
5. Improvement in
revenue base of
institutions and
regulatory
bodies.
Local and
national
institutions
and economy
Revenue will accrue to traditional authorities and regulatory
institutions through the payment of royalties and regulatory
fees and levies. The impact will be permanent, lasting
throughout the duration of the project.
After the scheme is renovated, the facility becomes a
property of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
(GIDA). GIDA will derive a substantial revenue from the
scheme through land leases and contract with a private
Scheme Management Entity (SME) which will be engaged to
manage the scheme. Other public institutions such as the
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 104 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) will respectively derive revenue
through acquisition and renewal of water abstraction and
environmental permits. The WRC will additionally earn
revenue from payment of water abstraction charges. The
North Tongu District whose jurisdiction the scheme falls will
also earn revenue through taxation and issuance of essential
permits e.g. building permits for offices. The impact will be
permanent, lasting throughout the duration of the project.
6. Improvement in
local and
national
economy
Neighbouring
communities,
district and
national
economy
The local and national economy will be boosted through the
following:
Direct and indirect job creation.
Increased income for workers.
Increase in business activities in the communities.
Increased food production will reduce food cost.
Payment of taxes will improve the revenue base of the economy.
The designs have included additional village and canal inspection roads which serve to improve the road network situation among fringe communities. This will enhance and facilitate movement of persons, goods and services among communities and thereby contribute to a vibrant local economy. On the national front, the expected increment in rice production and productivity can contribute to reducing the nation’s rice importation bill. The impact will be regional and permanent, lasting throughout the duration of the project.
Major
7. Increased
Climate change
adaptation
Lower Volta
Basin
The proposed project will enable farmers adapt to the effects
of climate change as it is a more resilient option compared to
rain-fed agriculture due to the availability of water all year
round for farming.
Groundwater resources could also be improved through
managed aquifer recharge, i.e. enhancing recharge of
aquifers through infiltration from the scheme and reservoir.
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 105 January 2018.
6.5 Evaluation of Potential Adverse Impacts Associated with Preparatory Phase Activities
The adverse environmental and social issues which could possibly arise from preparatory phase
activities are listed below and examined in Table 6-2.
Disturbance of flora and fauna;
Occupational health & safety; and
Conflict over land allotment and land use rights.
Table 6-2: Evaluation of adverse preparatory phase impacts
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
1. Disturbance of
flora and
fauna
Flora, fauna,
soil
The movement of personnel and vehicles may result in trampling of flora and disturbance of fauna at the proposed project site. Collection of soil samples for analysis may also result in removal of some fauna and death of some soil dwelling invertebrates.
The impact is of local extent and temporary, lasting for a
few days during preparatory phase activities.
Minor
2. Occupational
health &
safety
Workers Consultants, surveyors and other workers engaged may be exposed to injury and bites from dangerous reptiles and other animals such as scorpions, bees, ants, etc. This effect can be prevented or minimised through the use of appropriate personal and protective equipment such as safety boots and gloves.
The impact is temporary lasting during the survey works.
Minor
3. Conflict over
land allotment
and land use
rights
Local
communities
and farmers,
Cattle
headsmen
The allocation of land to community members may result
in conflict if not done in a fair and transparent manner.
Farmers and local communities may also prefer different
areas for different reasons to where the scheme managers
may allocate them. Conflicts may also arise where the
interest of livestock owners in the neighbouring
communities (Torgome, Alabornu, Azagonorkope,
Nyiflakpoe, Nakpoe, Sokope, and Gblornu/Ziakpoe) and
cattle headsmen are not considered in the planning of the
project and in land allocations.
Lands hitherto lying idle will now trigger interest from
different stakeholders which could potential delay the
project if not well managed. Livestock owners exist in
almost all the fringe communities and they will be
concerned about the potential loss of grazing fields while
women deriving alternative livelihood from the pottery
industry may be concerned about potential loss of raw
materials (i.e. clay and fuel wood) currently obtained from
the site.
The impact, if not managed, may negatively affect the
sustainability and success of the project.
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 106 January 2018.
6.6 Evaluation of Potential Adverse Constructional Phase Impacts
The potential negative environmental and social impacts associated with constructional phase
activities are discussed with respect to impacts related to land preparation, construction and
installation works for the proposed project. The general constructional phase impacts are listed below
and evaluated in Table 6-3.
Loss of vegetation and impacts to flora and fauna;
Soil impacts and sediment transport;
Air quality deterioration;
Vibration and noise nuisance;
Impacts from visual intrusion;
Generation and disposal of solid waste;
Occupational health & safety issues;
Influx of workers and migrants;
Public safety;
Road impacts and traffic issues;
Obstruction of access ways to communities;
Disruption of livelihoods;
Sanitation issues and public health; and
Destruction of culturally sensitive sites.
Table 6-3: Evaluation of potential adverse constructional phase impacts
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
1. Loss of
vegetation and
impacts on
flora and fauna
Flora, fauna,
soil
Vegetation clearance during land preparation and opening
and rehabilitation of access roads will result in loss of flora
and disturbance and/or loss of fauna at the project site.
Field studies show the vegetation to be lost are common in
the project area and no critical species have been found at
the proposed project site (Refer to Section 4.2.1). Hence
the project will not result in loss of species of conservation
value. Disturbed fauna can migrate to nearby bushes and
the forest reserve. The impact is limited to project site and
of local extent.
Moderate
2. Soil impacts
and sediment
transport
Soil, water
bodies, air
Excavation, vegetation clearance, levelling and other land
preparation works and opening of access roads will expose
and loosen the soil making it susceptible to erosion. There
could be the loss of top soil and possible contamination of
soil from fuels, oils and waste. The use of heavy machinery
(excavators, bulldozers, etc.) may result in soil compaction
in portions of the project site.
The oil spills from the maintenance of equipment and fuel
storage area, especially from dispensing, could
contaminate soil and soil sediments transported by runoff.
Transported soil sediments by air and water may end up in
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 107 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
nearby waterbodies (Volta River, Nyifla and Gblor streams
and Nyifla Lake).
The impact is temporary lasting during the construction
works. The impact cannot be avoided and requires
management.
3. Air quality
deterioration
Air, workers,
communities
along
haulage road
Loosen and exposed soils from land preparation works and
movement of vehicles/trucks to and from the project site
may result in the increase of airborne particulates affecting
the air quality.
The haulage of stones and boulders from the proposed
quarry sites to the project site will have minimal impact on
communities along the route such as Doryumu junction,
Asutuare junction, Okwenya and Akuse as the road is
tarred. However, within the project area where the road is
untarred, the movement of these trucks together with
haulage trucks to and from the borrow pits and yard will
generate dust which may impact on neighbouring
communities such as Azagonokope, Napkoe and Sokope.
The impact cannot be avoided, however, can be managed
through the adoption of best practices such as regular
dampening of the road surface and/or application of
biodegradable dust wrapping materials. No permanent air
emission sources will be created by the project
implementation. The impact is intermittent, lasting during
the constructional phase activities are occurring.
Moderate
4. Vibration and
noise nuisance
Air, fauna,
workers,
communities
along
haulage
road, project
communities
The likely sources of noise during the constructional phase
will be through the movement and operation of machines,
trucks and equipment. The movement of haulage trucks
from quarry sites through Doryumu and Asutuare junctions,
Okwenya and Akuse may increase noise levels
intermittently in those communities. Noise levels from the
movement of vehicles over access roads, measured at a
distance of 10 m, typically range between 77dBA and 83
dBA (BS 5228-1:2009). This is expected to further reduce by
6dBA at distance of about 20m.
Project communities such as Azagonokope, Sokope,
Nakpoe and Gblornu may also experience temporary
increase in noise and vibration levels from construction
activities.
The impact is temporary, lasting during the construction
activities; site-specific and of weak intensity.
Minor
5. Visual
intrusion
Landscape,
communities
The construction activities will result in alteration in the
landscape character and features. The alteration of the Minor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 108 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
along
haulage
road, project
communities
landscape will affect the public view of the site particularly
for the nearby communities (Alabonu, Klamadaboe,
Nakpoe, Sokope, Gblornu, Kassa, Daledokope and
Azagunorkope). The frequent movement of
vehicles/haulage trucks will be an unusual view for these
communities which are rural settings. For communities
along the road from the quarry sites to the project site, the
movement of haulage trucks is a common feature.
Poor housekeeping practices at the project site may also
reduce the aesthetic value of the area.
There is already an existing canal system at portions of the
project site which is to be rehabilitated, modernised and
extended to new areas of the project site. The project will
therefore not be an entirely new feature at the project site.
The project site will be restored to agricultural use after
land preparation which is the current use of the project site.
Hence the change in landscape features and view of the
public will be temporary and of minimal impact.
6. Generation
and disposal of
solid waste
Soil, water
bodies
Vegetative material and desilted and excavated soils which
are unsuitable for reuse for canal and road works will form
the bulk of waste generated. Servicing and maintenance of
machinery and equipment and installation works may
generate waste such as scrap metal, empty lubricant
containers, rubber seals, etc.
Also, packaging materials, wrappers, used polythene bags,
food wastes, used water sachets and bottles, etc. will be
generated from use by construction workers.
The impact is of local extent and temporal, lasting during
the constructional phase.
Moderate
7. Occupational
health & safety
Workers Occupational health and safety issues associated with the proposed project construction include:
Workers will be exposed to noise, dust and vibrations.
There is a high risk of accidents and injury from the use of
machinery and equipment if safety procedures are not
adhered to.
Risk of falling into existing canals.
Workers will be exposed to attack or bite from dangerous
animals such as snakes, scorpions, insects.
Risk of accidents from the materials management at the
construction yards, including accidents from poorly
managed workspace and fire from fuel storage facilities.
This impact is temporary, lasting during the constructional
phase.
Major
8. Public safety communities
along
The movement of haulage trucks to and from the quarry sites to the project site will pose safety risks for Doryumu junction, Asutuare junction, Okwenya and Akuse which are
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 109 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
haulage
road, project
communities
located along the route. The project communities may also be at risk from the movement of trucks/vehicles and other machinery, as well as from borrow pits and unsecured excavations such as the canals, laterals and drains, if adequate measures are not put in place to restrict movement to these areas. This is particularly critical for children in the project communities and those along the haulage road. This impact is temporary, lasting during the constructional phase.
9. Road impacts
& traffic issues
Road
network,
communities
along
haulage
road, project
communities
The road from the quarry sites at Shai Hills to Juapong (N2)
is an asphalt road and in good condition to contain the
movement of the haulage trucks. However sections of the
access road leading to the project site, is in a bad state and
may be worsened by the frequent movement of haulage
trucks transporting stones and boulders to the project site.
The section of the N2 highway from the quarry sites at Shai
Hills to Atimpoku is a low traffic volume road with average
daily traffic of 3,968 and 4,540 (JICA, 2013) at Astsuare
junction and Atimpoku respectively.
It is expected that, in the worst case scenario, the
construction phase will require the transportation of about
200 truckloads of materials per day (both inbound and
outbound) for the 18 month duration of the construction
works using 20 m3 capacity trucks. The increased traffic
though significant is not expected to hinder road traffic on
the road. The road to the project site has low traffic volume,
which is typical of rural setting and can accommodate the
movement of haulage trucks to the project site. It must
however be noted that all materials for filling will be
obtained in-situ and from nearby borrow pits while stone
aggregates for concrete works will however be transported
from the quarry sites at Shai Hills.
Any unattended mechanical breakdown of such cargo
trucks on the roads can induce traffic and serious accidents
Any traffic impacts will be of moderate intensity.
Moderate
10. Influx of
workers and
migrants.
Workers,
public
Construction activities may result in the movement of workers to the project area and people from other communities in search of job opportunities. The migrants may not conform to the societal norms and cultural practices and may upset the social structure of these communities. The influx of people during the construction period may promote irresponsible sexual behaviour. This could possible lead to HIV/AIDS and other STD infections. Irresponsible sexual behaviour could also result in teenage pregnancies
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 110 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
and unwanted pregnancies. The impact may be permanent or irreversible in nature.
11. Obstruction of
access ways to
communities
Project
communities
The road network along the existing canals serve as access roads to some of the communities in the project area, such as Klamadaboe, Nakpoe, Sokope, Gblornu, Deikope and Kassa. Construction works at the project may render portions of the roads and existing foot paths inaccessible, temporarily closed or unmotorable during the constructional phase. This may create inconvenience and increase travel time to and from the affected communities. The impact is temporary, lasting during the constructional phase.
Moderate
12. Disruption of
livelihoods
Community
members
Crop farming is the main source of livelihood in the project
area. Some members of communities around the project
area (Klamadaboe, Nakpoe, Sokope, Gblornu and
Azagonorkope) currently farm at the project site, mainly
under rain-fed. Their livelihoods could be impacted if they
are unable to farm on the land and/or do not have
alternative lands for farming during the project
construction phase. The impact may be temporary, lasting
during the constructional phase, but could have negative
impacts on livelihoods.
Major
13. Sanitation
issues and
public health
Land, water
bodies and
local
residents
and
construction
workers
Poorly managed construction site camps and indiscriminate
disposal of waste will create unsightly conditions. Open
defecation may be promoted if adequate toilet facilities are
not provided at camps and the project site during
construction. Improperly covered trenches may result in
stagnant water and breed mosquitoes.
Faecal matter from open defecation by construction
workers, and transported soil sediments by air and water
may end up in nearby waterbodies (Volta River, Nyifla and
Gblor streams and Nyifla Lake), and affect the water quality.
The water bodies serve as water sources for livestock and
some project communities (Sokope, Napkoe, Gblornu,
Kassa). The impact is will last throughout the constructional
phase, and may have health impacts on livestock and some
community members.
Major
14. Disturbance of
culturally
sensitive sites
Local
communities
and
traditional
authorities
Culturally sensitive sites such as sacred groves, shrines and
cemeteries in the project area (including communities)
have been identified through field visits and consultations
with community leaders.
Sections of the proposed canal which would have been
close to a cemetery at Sokope (culturally sensitive site) have
been re-designed to move further away from the cemetery.
This followed discussions and agreement reached at
monthly project technical meetings, which involves project
Moderate
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 111 January 2018.
No. Impact Key
receptor(s)
Evaluation Significance
proponents, project design consultants, community
leaders, environmental consultants, among others.
A sacred groove and cemetery at Nakpoe which are within
the project site have also been identified to be within the
planned scheme area. The sacred grove falls mainly within
sub-blocks 2 and 4 of Block MC2-TC7-L2 and the cemetery
is located on the periphery of the community, near sub-
block 1 of Block MC2-TC9-L1. The Nyifla lake is also
considered to be sacred and sacred rites will need to be
performed to prior to the removal of vegetation from the
lake. These potential impacts must necessarily be
addressed to ensure the peaceful coexistence of the project
with the community. These identified sacred places have
been incorporated in the design of the project to reduce the
potential impact.
6.7 Evaluation of Agricultural Development and Operations Phase Impacts
The potential adverse impacts related to the agricultural development and operations phase of the
proposed project are stated below and evaluated in Table 6-4.
Soil quality degradation (soil biological/chemical/ physical degradation);
Impact from water abstraction;
Pollution of water sources;
Impact from air emissions;
Noise and vibration;
Impacts on grazing land and conflict with cattle herders;
Impacts on secondary livelihoods;
Impacts on communities within the scheme area;
Waste generation and disposal;
Occupational health and safety;
Public safety;
Sanitation issues and public health;
Fire risks;
Pest/rodent infestation and contamination of stored grains;
Post-harvest losses; and
Sustainability of the irrigation scheme.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 112 January 2018.
Table 6-4: Evaluation of adverse agricultural development and operations phase impacts.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
1. Soil quality
degradation
Soil, fauna, water
bodies
Soil quality degradation may result from the following:
Continuous use of agrochemicals and fertilizers may
result in the death of soil fauna, soil pollution.
Continuous application of ammonium-based
inorganic fertilizers may result in soil acidification.
Land preparation, tilling and other physical works
may also result in the death of soil fauna.
Loosened and exposed soils will be susceptible to
water and wind erosion.
Soil compaction in areas of the land under continuous
use of heavy machinery.
Continuous tilling of the soil, hard pan formation,
erosion and effects on soil fauna may adversely affect
the soil structure.
The impact is local but will last through the life span of
the project and may have lasting effects of the soil.
Major
2. Impact from
water
abstraction
Kpong Dam
The irrigation potential of the flood plains of the Lower
Volta River have been explored since 1961. Provisions
were therefore made for outlets in both left and right
wing embankments of the Kpong Dam for irrigation of
areas downstream of the Dam. Each outlet has a
capacity of about 7m3/s.
The KLBIP is being designed with a peak discharge of 5
m3/s, which is less than the capacity of the outlet
incorporated in the Dam’s design. Water abstraction
by the project will therefore not compromise
hydropower generation by the Kpong Dam, and the
Dam’s operations in general.
The design consultants for KLBIP (WAPCOS Limited)
have consulted Volta River Authority (VRA) on the
project, as captured in Chapter 5, and will continue to
liaise with the VRA throughout the project design and
construction. The selected Scheme Management
Entity for the project will also work closely with the
VRA. Any impact will be negligible.
Minor
3. Pollution of
water sources
Water, aquatic
life, Nakpoe,
Deikope,
Nyiflapkoe,
Nyiflakope,
Agyimakope
Gblornu, Kasa,
Erosion from farmlands may result in the transport of
soil sediments into surface water sources (Volta River
– downstream of Kpong Dam), Nyifla and Gblor
streams, Alabo River and Nyifla Lake). There is also the
possibility of pollution of surface water sources
through the transport of agrochemicals in runoff water
and irrigation return water/wastewater. These may
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 113 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
Daledokope and
Alabonu
lead to eutrophication of the Nyifla Lake, and also
possibly the Gblor, Nyifla and Alabo River.
Communities such as Nakpoe, Deikope, Nyiflapkoe,
Nyiflakope and Agyimakope which depend on the
Nyifla lake/stream for water (Refer to Section 4.3.5)
will be at risk of any effects on the Nyifla lake/stream.
Communities such as Gblornu, Kasa, Daledokope and
Alabonu will also be at risk of any effects on the Gblor,
Nyifla streams as well as the Alabo River. These
communities fetch water from the Volta River
downstream of the confluence of the Gblor stream
with the Volta River. Fish catch from the Alabo River
could also be at risk of contamination from the farm
runoff containing pollutants.
Groundwater resources could also be polluted from
the percolation of agrochemicals through the soil. The
Sokope community has a borehole and may be at risk
from any effects on groundwater. Impact on water
sources (surface and groundwater) may occur through
the lifespan of the project.
4. Impact from
air emissions
Air, workers,
Nakpoe, Sokope,
Nyiflakpoe,
Nyiflakope and
Agyimakope
communities
Likely sources of air emissions will be land preparation
works for subsequent planting, spray drift from
application of agrochemicals and movement of
vehicles on untarred surfaces which will result in the
increase of airborne particulates, affecting the air
quality in the immediate surroundings. Emissions and
fumes from machinery and equipment, and harvesting
with combine harvesters may also temporarily affect
the air quality. Downwind communities such as
Nakpoe, Sokope, Nyiflakpoe, Nyiflakope and
Agyimakope will be at risk from any air emissions.
The layout of the scheme has been designed with a 25
meter wide buffer area between the communities
engulfed by the scheme (Napkoe, Gblornu, Ziakpoe,
Kasa and Abaykope) and the irrigation blocks to reduce
the potential impact of agrochemical spray drift.
Crop processing activities, mainly rice milling (if
introduced at the project site), may be the main
sources of air emissions resulting from increased
particulate matter in the air. Air quality measurements
for a rice milling site reported in the ESIS for Abians
Company Ltd, recorded total suspended particles (TSP)
and particulate matter (PM10) emissions of 185 µgm-3
and 27 µgm-3 respectively, which are within EPA’s
guideline values (see Annex 10). The rice mill for
Abians Company Ltd is located within a similar
Minor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 114 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
irrigation scheme (Kpong Irrigation Scheme) and is
representative of a typical rice mill for the current
scheme.
Burning, which would have resulted in emission of
combustion by-products, will not be utilized for the
proposed project. GCAP prohibits burning and will
ensure the selected Scheme Management Entity
enforces this directive on the various farms.
Any impacts from air emissions is therefore likely to be
within EPA’s acceptable limits. The project has also
been designed to leave a 25m buffer between the
scheme command area and the communities. This
buffer area will be afforested and conserved, thereby
serving as a windbreak for the communities. Any
residual impacts from air emissions will therefore be
minimal.
5. Noise and
vibration
Air, fauna,
workers
The main sources of noise at the project site will be
from crop processing activities, mainly rice milling
operations, if introduced at the project site.
Noise level measurements for a rice milling site
reported in the ESIS for Abians Company Ltd, recorded
ambient noise levels in the immediate environs of the
mill as 56.9dBA, which is within EPA’s guideline values
(see Annex 10). The rice mill for Abians Company Ltd
is located within a similar irrigation scheme (Kpong
Irrigation Scheme) and is representative of a typical
rice mill for the current scheme.
Other likely sources of noise in the immediate project
area will be through the use of machines and
equipment and the movement of vehicles. These will
be of weak in intensity. No major heavy machinery and
equipment will be used during the operational phase
which will result in major vibrations. Any impact will be
of low intensity and of local extent.
Minor
6. Impacts on
grazing land
and conflict
with cattle
herders
Livestock owners,
cattle herders,
farmers
Livestock are reared in most of the communities in the
project area. For some of the communities such as
Deikope, Nakpoe and Sokope where grazing animals
(goats, sheep, cattle) are reared, the project area is
used for grazing of their livestock. Cattle herders
(including Fulani herdsmen) also graze their cattle
through the project area.
The development of the 2000ha land into farms will
them to find alternative grazing area for members of
the nearby communities involved in livestock rearing.
Conflicts may also arise where livestock from nearby
communities, or grazing cattle (by Fulani herdsmen)
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 115 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
move into the project site and feed on crops or destroy
property. The impact will last for the lifespan of the
project.
7. Impacts on
secondary
livelihoods
Nakpoe and
Sokope
Community
Members
Charcoal burning and pottery are important secondary
livelihoods for the communities in the project area
(refer to Section 4.3.3). Charcoal burning is done by all
the project communities whiles pottery is done in
Napkoe and Sokope. The secondary livelihoods are
done to support incomes from crop farming (primary
livelihood), which is currently unsustainable.
The project site serves as an important source of raw
materials (fuel wood and clay) for these livelihood
activities. The proposed project may result in the
removal of fuel wood sources from the project site or
prevent access to clay deposits for pot making. This will
have negative effects on the incomes of community
members engaged in charcoal burning and pottery,
especially where alternative sources of raw materials
are not available, and crop farming remains
unsustainable. The impact will last for the lifespan of
the project.
Major
8. Impacts on
Communities
within the
scheme area
Nakpoe, Gblornu,
Kasa, Ziakpoe,
Abaykope
community
members
The Napkoe community is engulfed by the scheme
command area, whiles Gblornu, Ziakpoe, Kasa and
Abaykope are sandwiched between the scheme
command area and the Volta River. A 25m buffer area
between the boundary of the communities and the
scheme command area has been incorporated in the
project design following discussions and agreements
reached on the matter during monthly project
technical meetings, which involves representatives
from the project communities.
Although the entire land area is designated for
irrigation cropping, unplanned expansion of the
Nakpoe community may have to be at the expense of
land reserved as safe buffer zone between the
community and the irrigation blocks and eventually the
land allocated for farming within the scheme. Gblornu,
Ziakpoe, Kasa and Abaykope are located at about 60
meters from the irrigation blocks but, as with Nakpoe
community, unplanned development could also result
in encroachment of lands allocated for the scheme or
within the buffer zone of the Volta River. This could
potentially lead to conflicts with the project owners or
encroachment to the project site, as well as
destruction of riparian vegetation.
Moderate
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 116 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
The project design also involves 0.5 meter deep open
drains associated with the nearby irrigation blocks.
These could also pose risks of falling and injury to the
community members.
The impact is local and could last through the
agricultural development and operations phase if not
well-managed.
9. Waste
generation
and disposal
Soil, water bodies Periodic vegetation removal, occasional de-silted
materials from canals/drains, farm produce waste,
used agro-chemical containers, used fertilizer bags etc.
are the main waste to be generated on the farms
during the operational phase. Servicing and
maintenance of machinery and equipment may also
generate waste such as scrap metal, empty lubricant
containers, lubricants, rubber seals, etc.
Domestic/office wastes such as used polythene bags,
food wastes, food wrappers, used water sachets and
bottles, office wastes and human wastes will be
generated etc. The impact is local but long-term and
will last through the agricultural development and
operations phase.
Major
10. Occupational
health &
safety
Workers Machine operators will be exposed to noise, dust and
vibrations especially without the use of appropriate
PPEs. There is a risk of accidents and injury from the
use of machinery and equipment if safety procedures
are not adhered to.
There is a high risk of exposure to agrochemicals
through storage, handling, application and disposal of
agrochemicals. The use of appropriate PPEs and
adherence to safety and operational procedures will
reduce this impact.
Major
11. Sanitation
issues and
public health
Land, water
bodies
Indiscriminate disposal of farm generated waste will
create unsightly conditions. Also, indiscriminate
disposal of used agrochemical containers may pose
serious health risk to the public who reuse them.
Poor sanitation conditions may pollute nearby water
sources (Volta River – downstream of Kpong Dam),
Nyifla and Gblor streams and Nyifla Lake). Bushy areas
and stagnant water in improperly covered trenches
and empty containers may breed mosquitoes. There
could be an upsurge in water borne diseases such as
malaria and bilharzia due to flooding, waterlogging,
and slow flow of water in canals /drains /ponds
/reservoirs which tend to breed mosquitoes and
bilharzia vectors.
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 117 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
Failure to provide appropriate toilet facilities at
vantage points may encourage open defecation.
Impact may occur throughout the duration of the
project if appropriate measures are not put in place.
12. Fire risks Farmers/workers,
public, property
Farms are highly susceptible to bush fires which could
result in death, burns and loss of property (crops on
farm and structures) and investment of the farmers
and also adjacent farmers. The fires could emanate
from within the farm (smoking, cooking, uncontrolled
burning, etc.) or from outside the farm.
Fires at processing and storage facilities may also
emanate from faulty machines, electrical faults,
smoking, etc. and could result in death, burns, damage
to machinery, loss of property (including stored
produce) and investment. The losses may be huge if
adequate measures are not put in place to prevent
fires or control fires at an early stage.
Major
13. Pest/rodent
infestation
and
contamination
of stored
grains
Stored produce,
farmers, public
Stored grains are susceptible to attacks from insects
and rodents if the necessary management practices
and storage conditions for the produce are not
followed. Improper post-harvest management
practices on the farm may introduce insects such as
weevils in the grains prior to storage. Insects and
rodents may feed on stored grains, resulting in losses
in quantity and quality of produce and consequently
investment losses which could be high.
In addition to feeding on stored grains, rodents may
also contaminate stored grains through their
droppings, urine, hairs and may spread human
diseases. This could have health implications for the
public. The impact on health could be high and of
regional extent.
Major
14. Post-harvest
losses
Farmers, public Post-harvest losses may arise from pest/rodent and
disease infestation and improper storage conditions
which reduce the shelf life of produce. Improper
storage conditions such as poor ventilation, poor
housekeeping and leakages in the roof may lead to
mould development, disease infestation and increase
risk of pest/rodent infestation. Improper drying of
grains to reach the recommended moisture content for
storage (13-14%) will reduce the shelf life and make it
susceptible to disease infestation.
Mould development, disease infestation and
pest/rodent infestation may result in loss of quantity
and quality of produce, reduced germination rate for
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 118 January 2018.
No. Impact Key receptor(s) Evaluation Significance
seed grains, reduced nutritional value, loss in market
value and investment losses. Any infested produce will
be permanently impacted and the investment losses to
farmers could be major.
15. Sustainability
of the
irrigation
scheme
Land, water,
workers, public
Failure of the irrigation system and drought resulting in
low volumes of water in the Volta River can impact on
the sustainability of the project. Unavailability of ready
market and low prices may affect revenue generation.
Pest and disease infestation may also adversely affect
crop productivity. Failure of the storage facilities may
also reduce the shelf life of crops and result in high
post-harvest losses.
Emergency situations may arise from various activities
within and outside of the farm. For example, vehicular
accidents, bush fires, power failures, etc. may have
disastrous consequences if no emergency response
plans are put in place. The losses could be higher and
result in joblessness of the farmers if appropriate
measures are not put in place.
Lack of human resource, technical know-how and
logistics to implement environmental and social
safeguards could also significantly hamper the
successful implementation of the proposed project.
The losses could be higher if appropriate measures are
not put in place.
Major
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 119 January 2018.
7.0 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES
Mitigation and enhancement measures for the potential adverse impacts have been proposed in Table
7-1 to ensure that the project impacts are managed within reasonable and acceptable limits. The
general rules followed in designing the mitigation measures are listed below:
a) Avoidance of major impacts: major impacts are impacts where an accepted limit or standard
may be exceeded, or large magnitude impacts occur to highly valued/sensitive
resources/receptors;
b) Reduction of major and moderate impacts: moderate impacts are impacts within accepted limits
and standards. Moderate impacts may cover a broad range, from a threshold below which the
impact is minor, up to a level that might be just short of breaching an established (legal) limit;
and
c) Minor impacts occur where effects are experienced, but the impact magnitudes are sufficiently
small and well within accepted standards, and/or the receptors are of low sensitivity/value.
7.1 Type of Mitigation Measures
The mitigation measures adopted may be grouped under three major types which comprise:
Preventive measures;
Control measures; and
Compensatory measures.
7.1.1 Preventive Measures
These are measures adopted during the design and pre-construction phase. The measures are aimed
at avoiding or minimising potential major impacts at source. Avoiding or reducing an impact at source
is essentially ‘designing’ the project so that a feature causing an impact is designed out (e.g. site
selection to avoid sensitive areas) or altered (e.g. working at night where necessary) or avoided (e.g.
community sensitisation programmes to avoid conflicts or confrontations).
7.1.2 Control Measures
These are measures adopted to abate or remedy the impacts occurring during construction and
operation/maintenance phases. Impacts can be abated on site or at receptor end. Where there is
unavoidable damage to a resource, repair or remedy of impacts may be applied, e.g. vegetation
clearing during land preparation. In this case repair essentially involves re-vegetation of the affected
parts.
7.1.3 Compensatory Measures
Where other mitigation measures are not possible or fully effective, compensation, when required,
will be provided in accordance with the national standards as set forth by the relevant entities such as
the Water Resources Commission.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 120 January 2018.
7.2 Summary of Significant Potential Adverse Impacts
The significant adverse impacts (rated as moderate or major) identified from the analysis and
evaluation of the potential impacts from the proposed project in the preceding Chapter are
summarised below.
Preparatory Phase
Conflict over land allotment and land use rights.
Constructional Phase
Loss of vegetation and impacts to flora and fauna;
Soil impacts and sediment transport;
Generation and disposal of solid waste (including weeds, silt from canals and lakes etc.);
Occupational health & safety issues;
Influx of workers and migrants;
Public safety;
Road impacts and traffic issues;
Obstruction of access ways to communities;
Disruption of livelihoods;
Sanitation issues and public health; and
Disturbance of culturally sensitive sites.
Agricultural Development and Operations Phase
Soil quality degradation (soil biological/chemical/ physical degradation);
Pollution of water sources;
Impacts on grazing land and conflict with cattle herders;
Impacts on secondary livelihoods;
Impacts on communities within the scheme area;
Waste generation and disposal;
Occupational health and safety;
Sanitation issues and public health;
Fire risks;
Pest/rodent infestation and contamination of stored grains;
Post-harvest losses; and
Sustainability of the irrigation scheme.
7.3 Mitigation Measures for Significant Potential Adverse Impacts
The mitigation measures for the identified adverse impacts are summarised in Table 7-1.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 121 January 2018.
Table 7-1: Mitigation and enhancement measures for the identified significant impacts
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Preparatory Phase Impacts
Conflict over land
allotment and land
use rights
Local
communities and
farmers, Cattle
headsmen
The Land Allocation Committee (LAC) will engage and agree with the local communities and traditional authorities on
the criteria and guidelines for land allotment, selection of farmers and land use.
The LAC will reserve portions of lands close to communities for the establishment of fodder banks and woodlots.
The LAC together with the community leaders will also engage livestock owners in the local communities and cattle
herders to agree on alternative arrangements to provide grazing areas for them.
GCAP will ensure all grievances/concerns by local communities, traditional authorities, livestock owners and cattle
herders are discussed and resolved prior to construction works and land allocation. Fora for addressing grievances and
concerns will include monthly project technical meetings which will be held at Torgorme.
Land Allocation
Committee
(LAC)/ GCAP
-
Sub-Total 1 (Preparatory Phase): -
Constructional Phase Impacts
Loss of vegetation and
impacts on flora and
fauna
Flora, fauna, soil The Contractor for the canal construction works will limit vegetation clearance to areas demarcated for the canal
extension works. Vegetation clearance for the rehabilitation works will be limited to weeds in the existing canals and
drains.
The Contractor for the construction works will carry out vegetation clearance in sections and will be limited to portions
of the land to be developed at a particular time. The entire 2000ha land will not be cleared at a time and this will allow
for any fauna to migrate to adjoining bushes.
Total felling will not be done during vegetation clearance. Stands of trees will be left at the boundaries of the farm to
serve as windbreaks.
Agroforestry practices such as windbreaks, boundary planting of trees, riparian buffers, fodder banks and woodlots will
be incorporated into the project.
Any trees removed at the project site will be replanted in 3 folds.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of Bill of
Quantities
(BoQ) for
contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 122 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Soil impacts and
sediment transport
Soil, water bodies,
air The clearing of vegetation in sections by the contractor(s) will ensure only areas of the land to be developed at a
particular time are exposed to agents of erosion. This will also ensure the cleared areas of the land are not left bare over
long periods as development at the cleared areas will be carried out immediately. This will minimize erosion and
sediment transport from the project site.
The contractor will leave a buffer area of 25 metres width along the banks of the Nyifla, Gblor streams as well as Alabo
and Volta river, which is within the range (10 to 60 meters) prescribed in the National Buffer Zone Policy. The contractor
will also leave a buffer area of 30 metres width around the perimeter of the Nyifla Lake as prescribed by the National
Buffer Zone Policy for wetlands. The buffer zones will screen any soil sediments transported through run off water during
the construction and land preparation activities from getting into the water bodies.
The contractor(s) will immediately collect any excess excavated soils to minimise the potential for erosion into water
bodies and such excess or unusable materials will be used to fill existing borrow pits.
The contractor(s) will seek to reduce the quantity of heaped sand by delivery of quantities required for construction
over a specified period and ensure that any heaped sand for construction works will be covered with tarpaulin to prevent
wind and water transport of soil particles.
The contractor will ensure appropriate spill control measures are provided at the vehicle maintenance area and fuels
storage areas to reduce the potential impact from spills. These will include provision of bunds to contain spills,
installation and servicing of fuel dispensers.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Generation and
disposal of solid waste
Land, water
bodies
Tree and shrub stems; stock pile of tree stumps, roots, twigs and leaves; and unused excavated soil material will form
the bulk of the land preparation waste. The contractor(s) will allow the neighbouring communities to collect the tree
and shrub stems for use as poles, fuelwood and fencing material. As much as possible, the twigs and leaves will be spread
and ploughed into soil or allowed to decompose.
The contractor(s) will adopt efficient construction methods and re-use of construction material to minimize the waste
to be generated from the construction works. Excavated soil material will be re-used in backfilling and levelling as much
as possible. Excavated material and other construction waste such as wood chippings which cannot be re-used at the
site will be collected and disposed at the nearest North Tongu District approved landfill site which is located at Juapong,
about 18km from the project site.
The contractor(s) will immediately collect any excess soil material and unused excavated soils for backfilling of borrow
pits.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 123 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The contractor(s) will provide bins on site for collection and disposal of plastic waste and polythene materials such as
lubricant containers, drinking water sachets and carrier bags which will be regularly emptied at the approved dump site
at Juapong.
Occupational Health
and Safety Issues
Workers GCAP will engage experienced contractor(s) with requisite licenses and well-trained workers for the construction works.
The selected contractor(s) will have a Health & Safety Policy to guide the construction activities.
The contractor(s) will provide and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety
boots, rain coats, hand gloves, earplugs and nose masks. Sanctions will be implemented where this is not followed.
The contractor(s) will ensure that bulldozers, excavators, tractors and other machinery hired for land development and
construction works are in good condition and are well serviced, and the operators are experienced and well trained.
Good conditioned and well maintained equipment will reduce frequent breakdowns, noise nuisance and smoke
emissions which could affect the operators’ and other workers’ health and safety.
The engineering consultant will review the layout of the materials storage yard to ensure adequate working space is
provided for entry and exit of the yard by vehicles as well as loading and offloading materials to reduce the risk of
accidents. The Consultant will also ensure that the compatibility of materials and activities sited adjacent to one
another. For instance activities such as welding which provide ignition sources will not be located near fuel storage
areas.
The contractor will ensure only quantities required for a specified period are stored to reduce excess materials (beyond
the capacity of the yard) and ensure adequate spacing at the construction yard.
The selected contractor(s) will have adequate training in first aid, and provide first aid kits on site to treat minor ailments.
However, major cases will be referred to the nearest hospital or health post (Torgorme Health Centre or Akuse
Government Hospital).
The contractor(s) will allow only trained personnel and those with prerequisite skills to operate machinery.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Public safety communities
along haulage
The contractor(s) will guard all excavations and trenches including borrow areas, canals and drains with caution tapes.
The contractor(s) will use warning signs at vantage points to indicate ongoing construction works.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 124 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
road, project
communities
The contractor(s) will enforce proper security at the project site during construction works to limit entry of unauthorised
persons to the project site.
The contractor will ensure that all haulage trucks comply with the approved speed limit of 50km/hr within the
communities along the haulage road.
The contractor will adjust haul times to ensure trucks do not move to the communities during mornings when school
children may be crossing the road to school and during closing time.
Road impacts and
traffic issues
Communities
along haulage
road, project
communities,
public
Repair and maintain damaged sections of the road from Okwenya to the project site throughout the construction period.
The contractor will erect temporary road signs at junctions from the quarry sites and to the project site.
The contractor will ensure that all haulage trucks hired/contracted are in good condition to prevent breakdowns on
roads.
Do not park at unauthorised places to reduce the risk of accidents.
New roads provided in the designs will be constructed first to serve as alternative roads for the transport of materials
obtained in-situ. This will ease pressure on existing community roads.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Influx of workers and
migrants
Community
members
The contractor(s), together with opinion leaders such as the Assembly member, will sensitise migrant workers on
societal norms, taboos and other cultural practices.
GCAP, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as the North Tongu District Health Directorate and the Torgorme
Health Centre, will organise awareness creation and educational programmes for all workers and the general public on
the behavioural changes required to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Obstruction of access
ways to communities
Community
members
The contractor(s) will provide safe alternative access routes for access ways that are obstructed/destroyed during
construction works.
The contractor(s) will erect sign posts at vantage points to guide community members through safe alternative access
ways during construction works.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Disruption of
livelihoods
Community
members, farmers
Community members already cultivating portions of the project site will be allowed to continue temporarily farming at
areas of the land which will not be affected by construction of the canal system. For those whose farming areas will be
affected by the construction of the canals, they will be allowed to temporarily farm at other areas which will not be
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 125 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
affected till the end of the construction works. Land allocations will then be made for all affected farmers after the
construction works to integrate them into the project.
The contractor(s) will provide safe temporary access routes for community members to access their farms during the
construction period.
The affected community members (farmers) will be allowed to collect felled tree stems and branches which can be used
as poles, fuelwood and fencing material or sold to generate income.
Sanitation issues and
public health impacts
Land, water
bodies, workers,
public
Contractor(s) will provide adequate waste bins at the project site for use to minimise indiscriminate disposal of plastic
and polythene material, cans and food waste by the workers. These bins will be frequently transported and emptied at
approved dump sites. This will prevent the littering of the project site with cans and bottles which could collect water
and breed mosquitoes.
Contractor(s) will regularly remove and dispose construction waste such as metal scrap, wood chippings, rubber seals,
nails, etc. for disposal at North Tongu District approved dumpsites.
Contractor(s) will appropriately and immediately cover trenches and/or excavations after they have served their
purpose to prevent accidents and collection of stagnant water which could serve as a breeding ground for disease borne
vectors e.g. mosquitoes.
The contractor(s) will provide temporary toilet facilities at the construction sites for use by the construction workers.
The workers will be educated against open defecation or “free range” defecation.
Contractor(s) will provide potable water for workers at all time.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
Disturbance of
culturally sensitive
sites
Project
communities
Culturally sensitive sites such as sacred groves, shrines and cemeteries in the project area (including communities) shall
be preserved and incorporated in the project design.
The contractor shall ensure the construction workers are educated about the significance of these sites and instructed
to accord the necessary respect to these areas when working close to them.
The Contractor will ensure the communities elders are consulted prior to entry into the communities and vegetation
clearing in the lakes to ensure the necessary rites are performed.
Contractor/
WAPCOS/ GCAP
As part of BoQ
for contractor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 126 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
In consultation with the Nakpoe community and the project proponents Block MC2-TC7-L2 which contains the Nakpoe
sacred grove and sub-block 1 of Block MC2-TC9-L1 (Nakpoe cemetery) will not be developed.
Sub-Total 2 (Constructional Phase): -
Agricultural Development and Operations Phase Impacts
Soil quality
degradation
Soil, fauna,
surface and
groundwater
A detailed soil study was conducted by the Design Consultant (WAPCOS) during the design stage of the project which
determined the chemical conditions of the soil at the project site. This will guide farmers to know the deficient soil
nutrients and the right types and quantities of fertilizers to apply.
The farmers will adopt integrated weed and pest management practices for weed and pest control such as use of
certified and disease tolerant seed varieties, use of early maturing seed varieties, proper land preparation, early planting,
following recommended planting space between rows and plants, timely/early weeding, suitable water management
practices and the use of agrochemicals where necessary. This will minimize the rate of agrochemical use.
The Scheme Management Entity (SME) will sensitize farmers to purchase only EPA approved agrochemicals from
licensed agrochemical shops for use at the recommended application rates. The SME will purchase EPA’s current register
of approved and banned agrochemicals and make it available to the farmers to consult prior to the selection and
purchase of agrochemicals for use. Extracts of the current register are provided in Annex 6.
The SME will ensure that any Product and Service Enterprise (PSE) it may engage to supply agrochemicals for farmers
will only supply EPA approved agrochemicals. The PSE will also educate the farmers on the proper handling and
recommended application rates of the agrochemicals.
The SME will sensitize farmers to, preferentially, use selective pesticides with low environmental impact quotient (EIQ)
where appropriate, rather than broad-spectrum products, to minimize impacts on non-target species.
The farmers will incorporate cover crops at erosion prone areas to minimise erosion.
With the exception of the major land preparation to be carried out at the onset of the farm, the farmers will adopt
minimum/reduced tillage for the subsequent planting seasons where possible. This will minimise soil impact on soil
fauna. Ploughing and harrowing will only be done where necessary, example due to proliferation of weeds.
Scheme
Management
Entity (SME)/
farmers
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 127 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Under minimum/reduced tillage, the stocks and leaves of harvested crops will be left on the field as much as possible to
serve as mulch to conserve soil moisture and also decompose improve soil biological condition.
The farmers will explore the use of organic manure and where practically possible used on the farm to minimise the use
of inorganic manure and improve soil biological conditions.
Pollution of water
sources
Surface and
underground
water, aquatic life
GIDA and GCAP, as part of the project design, will rehabilitate the water treatment facility at Nakpoe and extend it to
the neighbouring communities which depend on the Nyifla Lake/stream (Sokope, Deikope, Nyiflapkoe, Nyiflakope and
Agyimakope) as an alternative source of potable water. GIDA and GCAP will consider utilizing solar power for the
treatment facility due to lack of electricity connection at Nakpoe.
GIDA and GCAP will also consider the provision of alternative source of potable water for the communities in the project
area which depend on the Volta River (Gblornu, Kasa, Daledokope and Alabonu). The options may include connection
of water from the water treatment facility at Nakpoe or construction of a similar water treatment facility.
The SME will ensure the use of agrochemicals including inorganic fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides is reduced as
much as possible. Integrated weed and pest management to be adopted by the farmers will minimise the use of
weedicides and pesticides.
The farmers will use erosion control measures such as ploughing along the contour of the land, growing of cover crops,
use of mulch and minimum tillage to minimize erosion and sediment transport from the project site.
The SME will sensitize farmers to use pesticide application technologies and practices designed to minimize off-site
movement or runoff, such as low-drift nozzles, using the largest droplet size and lowest pressure that are suitable for
the product.
The farmers will ensure any unused dilute pesticide that cannot be applied to the crop—along with rinse water, and out
of-date or no-longer approved pesticides—would be disposed of as a hazardous waste, as per FAO guidelines1.
GCAP/ SME/
Farmers
As part of BoQ
for contract on
water provision
1 FAO, International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management (revised 2014), (Rome: FAO, 2014)
http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agphome/documents/Pests_Pesticides/Code/CODE_2014Sep_ENG.pdf
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 128 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The SME and farmers will provide separate labelled bins on site to collect all agrochemical containers after they have
been punctured and triple washed. The collected containers will be taken back to the seller for appropriate
disposal/recycling.
The SME will regularly farmers on agrochemical handling, usage, storage and management of empty agrochemical
containers.
Impacts on grazing
land and conflict with
cattle herders
Livestock owners/
herders/ farmers
The GIDA and GCAP, in collaboration with the Torgorme Traditional Council will identify alternative grazing areas for
livestock owners.
Rice straw from harvested rice fields will be made available to livestock owners and cattle owners to use as feed.
The Design Consultant (WAPCOS) will incorporate cattle drinking points into the design of canals at the periphery of the
scheme command area to provide drinking water for cattle without crossing into the command area.
The Design Consultant will incorporate bridges into the project design which will allow human and vehicular crossing to
the scheme command area, but prevent cattle from crossing.
The SME, GIDA and GCAP will assist communities to establish fodder banks in their communities to provide the fodder
needs for livestock owners in the communities.
GCAP/GIDA/
SME/ WAPCOS
3,000 annually
Impacts on secondary
livelihoods
Community
members
GCAP/GIDA will engage the community leaders and members to identify and register affected charcoal producers and
pot makers in the communities. This will be done prior to construction works.
The Land Allocation Committee (LAC) will integrate the affected persons into the scheme through land allocation for
farming to sustain their livelihoods. Affected persons who also wish to be employed to work on anchor farms will be
given such employment opportunities to sustain their livelihoods.
GIDA/ GCAP/
LAC
-
Impacts on
communities within
the scheme
Community
members
The project will comply with the final project design by respecting the new boundary of the project site, which has been
further shifted from the project fringe communities to allow for future expansion.
The project will create the 25m buffer zone as proposed in the final project design. This will be conserved and enhanced
through enrichment planting to provide productive functions (example: fodder, fuelwood, fruits, etc.) and regulation
functions (example: windbreak functions, screening of agrochemicals in run off, screening of airborne dust, etc.) for the
project fringe communities.
GCAP/ GIDA/
LAC/ SME
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 129 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The LAC will ensure that farmers in the communities will be allocated irrigation blocks closest to their respective
communities to provide a source of livelihood and ensure that the farmers do not develop within the safe buffer zones
as well as riparian buffers for the Volta River and Nyifla Lake. The farmers will also be much more inclined to adopting
responsible social and environmental measures directed at protecting their communities.
GIDA, GCAP and the SME will ensure that Irrigation Sub-blocks 9, 10 and 11 are not allocated for development by the
LAC to ensure the safety of students in the new Gblornu D/A Primary.
GCAP and the SME to ensure that the drains serving irrigation blocks adjacent to communities are covered at strategic
locations (either by use of piped culverts or covered drains) to prevent falls and accidents.
In order to ensure peaceful coexistence and reduce the incidence of conflicts, GCAP together with Ghana Irrigation
Development Authority (GIDA) and the North Tongu District Assembly, will continue to extensively consult the project
fringe communities throughout the project implementation to ensure their free, prior informed consent for the
proposed development as well as agree on the terms of their occupancy, including procedures to be followed for
expansion and compatible land use activities.
Waste generation and
disposal
Land, water
bodies, public
The farmers will leave crop residue from harvested vegetables, legumes and maize on the fields to serve as mulch and
allowed to decompose on the farm to improve the organic matter content of the soil.
Rice straw has various uses (thatch, composting, mulching, bedding material for livestock, animal fodder, fuel for brick
kilns and power generation, packaging material, etc.). Some amount of straw may be left on rice fields to be tilled into
the soil and recycle nutrients stored in them. Excesses will be gathered, collected and temporarily heaped by the fields
and made available to the public for collection and use. Livestock owners and cattle herders will especially be
encouraged to collect the rice straw for use as feed.
Where rice milling is incorporated into the project, rice husks will be generated as waste. Rice husk has various uses
(such as bedding material for livestock, planting material and soil aeration in crop farming, biomass for fuel in power
plants or fuel in burning furnaces, etc.) and will be made available to any prospective user.
Scheme
Management
Entity
10,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 130 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The options to be explored by the SME for the management of any excesses of rice husk will include burying and
compositing, and in the long-term, acquiring a burning furnace which can utilize rice husk as fuel to generate heat for
drying of the rice.
The SME will educate the farmers on the various uses of rice straw and rice husk to encourage them to find alternative
uses for the rice straw which could also lead to generation of additional income.
GCAP and GIDA are also collaborating with the farmers to identify potential organizations and individuals to collect the
rice straw for use.
The SME will ensure farmers provide bins on the farm for temporary storage of plastic and polythene materials such as
drinking water sachets used by farmers and workers on the farms for collection and proper disposal by registered waste
management company at the approved dump site at Juapong.
The farmers will collect all packages of pesticides and herbicides from the field after use and properly store them until
they are returned to the supplier for appropriate disposal.
The SME will provide separate labelled bins on site for collection of agrochemical containers, foil seals, lids and fertilizer
sacks for return to the suppliers for recycling/proper disposal, as per FAO guidelines1. Empty agrochemical
bottles/containers will be triple-washed and punctured prior to being stored in the separate labelled bins for returning
to the suppliers. This will ensure they cannot be reused.
The SME will ensure bins containing used agrochemical containers are stored safely and are securely under cover prior
to their safe disposal; they will not be used for other purposes.
Fire risks Farmers/workers,
public, property
Burning will not be utilised as a farm management practice for the project. GCAP prohibits burning as a farm
management practice and will ensure the SME and farmers comply with this directive.
The farmers will construct fire belts on all borders of the farm to prevent any bush fires from entering the farm.
GIDA and GCAP will ensure the contractor(s) uses high quality electrical wiring materials for the construction of offices,
warehouses and all other building facilities.
Firefighting and detection equipment such as smoke detectors, alarms and fire extinguishers will be installed in buildings
and offices. Fire extinguishers will also be provided for use at the farm.
Scheme
Management
Entity/ GCAP
15,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 131 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The SME will ensure fire extinguishers are regularly serviced.
The SME will establish Emergency Assembly Points at all building premises and the farm.
Emergency contact numbers will be displayed at vantage points in building premises and on farms.
All equipment and machinery will be regularly serviced and maintained by the SME.
The SME will educate all farmers and workers on potential causes at the fire including smoking, cooking, burning, etc.
All farmers and workers will be trained on fire prevention and control by the SME. This will be done in collaboration with
the GNFS of the North Tongu District.
Selected farmers and workers will be trained by the SME in collaboration with the GNFS as fire volunteers to manage
minor fires.
Occupational health
and safety
Farmers, workers The SME will ensure that any pesticides used are manufactured, formulated, packaged, labelled, handled, stored,
disposed of, and applied according to the FAO’s International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management1.
The farmers will ensure that pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Recommended
Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes 1a (extremely hazardous) and 1b (highly hazardous) (Refer to Annex 7), or
Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention (Refer to Annex 8) are not purchased, stored or used.
All pesticides listed in WHO Hazard Class II (moderately hazardous) (See Annex 7), will be avoided unless appropriate
controls established with respect to the manufacture, procurement, or distribution and/or use of these chemicals are in
place. These chemicals would not be accessible to personnel without proper training, equipment, and facilities in which
to handle, store, apply, and dispose of these products properly.
The SME will ensure all staff and farmers are trained on appropriate use and handling of agrochemicals.
The SME will provide selected staff and farmers with first aid training, including on accidents associated with
agrochemical use, to administer first aid health care in the event of any accidents.
The SME will enforce the use of appropriate PPEs such as gloves, nose masks, coveralls, goggles, safety boots, etc. by all
farmers and workers especially during the handling of agrochemicals such as during spraying of weedicides or
application of fertilizers.
GCAP/ GIDA/
SME/ Farmers
20,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 132 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
Fire detection, warning and fighting equipment such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers to be
provided by the SME at all building premises and also fire extinguishers at the farm (as indicated above) will help in the
early detection and control of fires.
Safety procedures, particularly with the operation of machines and the handling and use of agrochemicals will be
enforced by the SME and sanctions applied when they are not adhered to.
Contractors will install warning signs (eg. Speed limits) and also use cautioning tapes and fencing at the project site.
Sanitation issues and
public health
Land, air, water,
workers, farmers,
public
The SME will enforce the use of separate labelled bins for the collection and disposal of used agrochemical containers
(after they are triple-washed and punctured) and sacks to prevent indiscriminate disposal.
The SME will train all farmers and workers on the harmful effects of reuse of agrochemical containers.
Any unused dilute pesticide that cannot be applied to the crop—along with rinse water, and out of-date or no-longer
approved pesticides—would be disposed of as a hazardous waste by the SME as per FAO guidelines1.
The SME will ensure the use of bins for collection of plastic containers and polythene bags at the warehouse and farms
to prevent indiscriminate disposal which could also collect water and lead to breeding of mosquitoes.
The SME will ensure areas around building premises are neatly kept and not allowed to get bushy to breed mosquitoes.
Open defecation will be discouraged at the farms through education of the farmers and workers. The farmers, who will
be from the neighbouring project communities, will be compelled to use toilet facilities in their homes or toilets provided
at workshops/warehouses/office premises.
SME/ Farmers -
Pest/rodent
infestation and
contamination of
produce
Stored produce,
farmers, public The SME will adopt an integrated insect and rodent management system to control insects and rodent infestation. This
will include:
o Good housekeeping practices such as regular cleaning inside warehouses/storage rooms and proper packing of
produce for ease of inspection;
o Keeping the surroundings of warehouses/storage rooms clean and free from weeds;
o Preventing insects and rodents from entering warehouses/storage rooms by regularly inspecting all doors, walls,
windows and roof for any openings and repairing them;
o Use of biological control, such as cats, to keep mice and other rodents from the warehouses/storage rooms;
o Use of rodent traps; and
Scheme
Management
Entity
6,000 annually
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 133 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
o Chemical control/fumigation through the use of EPA approved agrochemicals to control pests and rodents.
Post-harvest losses Farm produce,
Farmers The farmers will ensure harvested cereals are properly dried to about 13-14% moisture content to make them suitable
for storage.
The farmers will ensure on-farm processing activities, such as dehusking, shelling and drying, are properly done to reduce
mechanical damage to grains which increases their susceptibility to disease infestation.
Warehouse designs will include proper ventilation and the SME will regularly inspect the roofs to ensure there are no
openings for leakages. This is to prevent damp conditions and rain water from getting into warehouses/storage rooms.
Warehouse managers will ensure bags of produce are stacked on pallets off the ground and away from walls to prevent
any damp (moisture) from the floor and walls from reaching the produce.
The SME will ensure warehouses/storage rooms and their surrounding environments are always kept clean and free
from weeds.
Bags of grains will be properly arranged on pallets and the pallets will be arranged in rows with adequate spacing in
between to ensure ease of cleaning warehouses and inspection of produce for rodents and insects.
Warehouse managers will ensure new produce from farms are not mixed with old produce in warehouses/storage
rooms by storing new produce at a different sections.
Warehouse managers will adopt “first in first out” practices to ensure that old produce are always sold first.
Warehouse managers will ensure that any infested produce will be immediately removed and destroyed to prevent
infestation of other produce.
Chemical treatment/fumigation, by using only EPA approved agrochemicals, will be used by the warehouse managers
to control pest/rodents and diseases where necessary.
SME/
Warehouse
managers/
farmers
-
Sustainability of the
farming venture
Land, water,
workers, public
GCAP and GIDA will select an experienced SME with qualified staff and expertise to oversee the operations of the
irrigation scheme.
Farmers will sell their farm produce at realistic market prices to generate sufficient revenue.
The SME will ensure the Irrigation Service Charge (ISC) is realistic and is regularly paid to ensure maintenance of facilities
and the sustainability of the project.
GCAP/ GIDA/
SME/ Farmers
-
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 134 January 2018.
POTENTIAL IMPACT RECEPTOR(S) PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBILITY BUDGET (GH₵)
The SME will ensure efficient use of irrigation water to conserve water resources and the farmers will efficiently use
resources such as fuel and agrochemicals to minimize economic losses.
The SME will ensure regular maintenance of irrigation facilities, warehouses/storage rooms and all other equipment to
prolong their life span and prevent regular breakdowns.
Training will be regularly provided by the SME for staff and farmers on improved agronomic practices.
The SME will ensure farmers only use improved and certified seed varieties to enhance productivity.
The North Tongu District Department of Agriculture and GIDA will be regularly consulted by the SME for technical and
agronomic advice.
Sub-Total 3 (Agricultural Development and Operations Phase): 54,000 annually
GRAND TOTAL (Sub-Total 1 + Sub-Total 2 + Sub-Total 3): 54,000
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 135 January 2018.
8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN
Environmental and social monitoring is an essential component of a post project review phase
following Environmental and Social Assessment. The monitoring of various environmental and social
parameters will also help to confirm any predicted impact or otherwise and address the effectiveness
of the implementation of the mitigation measures.
A comprehensive monitoring plan has been developed in Table 8-1 for all the significant adverse
environmental and social impacts identified in Chapter 6. The monitoring plan includes the
responsible institutions or persons and estimated budget/cost requirements. Detailed cost analysis
from prospective consultants and experts to be engaged as part of the monitoring programme will be
needed to confirm cost requirements. In addition to the significant adverse impacts, monitoring plans
have been developed for the following:
Air quality
Noise;
Public complaints/grievances; and
Environmental compliance.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 136 January 2018.
Table 8-1: Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
PREPARATORY PHASE
1. Conflicts over land
allotment and land use
rights
-Complaints from cattle herders/ livestock owners
-Complaints from community members over land
allotment
-Records of complaints/grievances resolved/
unresolved
-Lands reserved for establishment of fodder banks
and woodlots
-Management and Stakeholder Meetings
-Communities in project
area
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
Record keeping and analysis Weekly Social Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
As part of duties of
Social Safeguards
Specialist
CONSTRUCTIONAL PHASE
1. Vegetation and fauna - Trees left on boundaries of project site
-Vegetation intact at inactive sites of project area
-Project area Observation Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
2. Soil impacts and
sediment transport
-Observable change in turbidity of water in
canals/drains/water bodies
-Observable oil sheen canals/drains/water bodies
-Observation of rills/gullies
-Construction site
-Canals/drains/water
bodies
Observation Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 137 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
3. Air quality/Noise -Observation of air borne particulates (dust) and
exhaust fumes
-Records of dampening of roads
-Complaints on noise nuisance
-Construction site
-Communities in project
area
Observation Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
4. Surface water -Observable change in turbidity of water in
canals/drains/water bodies
-Observable oil sheen canals/drains/water bodies
-Canals/drains/water
bodies
Observation Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
5. Waste management -Records on tree and shrub stems collected by
communities
-Availability and use of bins
-Records on frequency and location of waste disposal
site of domestic and construction waste
Construction site Record keeping and analysis Monthly Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
6. Occupational health &
safety
-Workers’ awareness of Contractor’s health and
safety policy
-Availability and proper use of PPEs
-Availability and proper use of warning signs
-Availability of first aid kit
-Adherence to health and safety procedures
-Records on frequency, type and source of
illness/accident/injury
-Records on non-compliances
Construction site Health & Safety records,
audit and review
Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 138 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
7. Public safety -Absence of unauthorized persons at active
construction sites
-Availability and use of warning signs and cautionary
tapes around excavations and other dangerous areas
-Records on frequency and type of incident/accidents
involving public
-Construction site
-Road from quarry sites
to project site
Health, safety and traffic
records; audit and review
Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
8. Road impacts and traffic
issues
-Condition of road from Okwenya to project site
-Availability and use of diversion/road signs or trained
persons directing traffic.
-Frequency of truck breakdowns along road
-Records of parking at unauthorized places
-Road from quarry sites
to project site
-Junctions from quarries
and to construction site
-Records of road repairs and
maintenance
-Traffic records
- Audit and review
Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
9. Influx of workers and
migrants
-Records on community sensitization programmes
-Health records on pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other
STDs
-Records on public complaints relating to non-
conformity to societal norms by workers and migrants
-Communities in the
project area
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
-Torgorme Health
Centre
Record keeping and analysis Weekly Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
10. Obstruction of access
ways
-Availability of safe walkways/access roads to
communities
-Records on public complaints related to obstruction
of access ways (road blocks, delays, etc.)
-Project site
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
-Record keeping and
analysis
-Observation
Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
11. Disruption of livelihoods -Records on community sensitization
-Records on affected persons and alternative lands/
other livelihood-support assistance provided.
-Communities in the
project area
Record keeping and analysis Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 139 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
-Records on public complaints relating to disruption
of livelihoods
-Project/ Stakeholder
meetings
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
12. Sanitation and public
health
-Health records (respiratory tract infections, malaria
and other sanitation related diseases)
-Records on public complaints related sanitation and
public health issues
-Communities in the
project area
-Project/ Stakeholder
meetings
Record keeping and analysis Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
13. Public complaints/
grievances
-Type and nature of complaints and concerns;
-Complaint records (Record of grievance and number
resolved/unresolved)
-Management and Stakeholder Meetings
-Communities in the
project area
-Project/ Stakeholder
meetings
Record keeping and analysis Weekly Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
14. Disturbance of
culturally sensitive sites
-Culturally sensitive sites (sacred groves, shrines,
cemeteries) preserved.
-Records of consultation with community leaders on
culturally sensitive sites.
-Blocks MC2-TC7-L2 (Nakpoe sacred grove) and sub-
block 1 of block MC2-TC9-L1 (Nakpoe cemetery) not
developed.
-Performance of traditional rites before weed
clearance in Nyifla lake.
-Communities in project
area.
-Culturally sensitive
sites
-Record keeping and analyis
-Observation
Daily Contractor/
Construction
Supervisor/
Environmental
Safeguards
Specialist (GCAP)
*As part of duties of
Contractor and
Construction Supervisor
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 140 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS PHASE
1. Soil fertility and quality Texture; pH; organic carbon; total nitrogen; available
phosphorus; available potassium; exchangeable
cations like Ca, Mg, Na, K; CEC
-Farms -Indian Standards Method
of Test for Soil
- United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA)
Classification
-French National Institute
for Agricultural Research
(INRA) Methods
Onset of
project and
subsequently
biennially
Environmental
Consultant/
Environmental,
Health, Safety &
Security Officer
(EHSSO)/ SME
8,000
2. Surface water quality -Physicochemical parameters
-Bacteriological parameters
-Pesticide residue parameters
(Refer to Annex 9)
-Upstream of project
site (Volta River- canal
intake point)
(N 6.14922°; E 0.12670°)
-Mid-point of project
site (Nyifla Lake).
(N 6.12001°; E 0.16336°)
-Downstream of project
site (Confluence of
Alabo stream and Volta
River) (N. 6.10440°; E
0.20886°)
**American Water Works
Association (AWWA),
American Public Health
Association (APHA), and
Water Environment
Federation (WEF) (20th
Edition)
Biannually
(Major and
minor season)
Environmental
Consultant/
EHSSO/ SME
8,000
3. Groundwater quality pH, conductivity, TDS, chloride, iron, nitrate,
coliforms, phosphate, pesticides, fluorides, heavy
metals (leads, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, etc.),
pesticide loads
Borehole at Sokope
(N 6.13391°; E 0.
16625°)
**AWWA, APHA and WEF
(20th Edition)
Biennially Environmental
Consultant/
EHSSO/ SME
2,000
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 141 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
4. Air quality TSP, PM10, NOx, SOx, CO -project site
-communities
Hand-held dust samplers
(TSP, PM10)/ diffusion tubes
(NOx, SOx, CO)
Quarterly Environmental
Consultant /
EHSSO
10,000
5. Noise Noise level -project site
-communities
Hand-held Integrated noise
level meter
Monthly/
Whenever
there is noise
complaint
Environmental
Consultant /
EHSSO
4,000
6. Impacts on grazing land
and conflict with cattle
herders
-Availability of alternative grazing areas
-Available and well demarcated cattle crossings and
drinking points
-Established fodder bank
-Complaints from livestock owners/herders and
farmers
-Project site -Observation/inspection
-Record keeping and
analysis
Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
7. Impacts on secondary
livelihoods
-Records of affected persons (alternative livelihood
and support provided, income before and after, etc.)
-Records on trainings on alternative livelihoods and
support provided
-Established woodlot
-Stakeholder complaints related to livelihoods
-Communities in project
area
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
-Record keeping and
analysis
-Interviews with affected
persons
-Observation
Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
8. Impacts on
communities
-Established productive buffer zone around
community
-Incident/accident records
-Health records of community members
-Complaints from community members
-Project community
-Torgorme Health
Centre
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
-Record keeping and
observations
Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
9. Waste management -Availability and use of bins for collection of plastic
and polythene material
-Farms Record keeping and analysis Weekly EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 142 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
-Availability and use of separate labelled bins for
agrochemical containers.
-Records on disposal of plastic and polythene material
(frequency and location of disposal site)
-Records on agrochemical containers returned to
suppliers (quantity, frequency, name of supplier)
10. Fire -Installation of smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire
extinguishers in offices, warehouse and other
premises.
-Availability of fire extinguishers at vantage points on
farms
-Fire belts created around project site.
-Availability of Emergency Assembly Points and
emergency contact numbers at vantage points.
-Records on servicing of firefighting equipment.
-Records of training on fire prevention and control.
-Records on fire incidents/accidents and investigation
reports.
-Farms
-Building premises
(offices, warehouses,
sheds, etc.)
-Record keeping and
analysis
-Observation/inspection
Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
11. Occupational Health &
Safety
-Farmers/Workers’ awareness of health and safety
policy
-Availability and proper use of PPEs
-Availability and proper use of warning signs
-Availability of first aid kit
-Adherence to health and safety procedures
-Records on frequency, type and source of
illness/accident/injury
-Records on non-compliances
-Farms
-Building premises
(offices, warehouses,
sheds, etc.)
-Record keeping and
analysis
-Observation/inspection
Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 143 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
-Records on training and awareness creation on
health and safety
12. Sanitation and public
health
-Health records (type, frequency and causes of
diseases/illnesses)
-Records on public complaints related sanitation and
public health issues
-project area
-Torgorme Health
Centre
-Project/Stakeholder
meetings
Record keeping and analysis Daily EHSSO/SME *as part of job functions
of EHSSO and SME
13. Pest/rodent infestation
and contamination of
produce
-Clean environment in and around
warehouses/storage sheds
-Cleaning roaster
-Records on infested/contaminated produce
-Warehouse/storage
sheds
-Observation/inspection
-Record keeping and
analysis
Daily EHSSO/SME *as part of job functions
of EHSSO and SME
14. Post-harvest losses -Maintenance of warehouses/storage sheds
-Observation of damp conditions in warehouse
-Ventilation in warehouses
-Arrangement of produce in warehouses
-Fumigation records
-Records of infested/contaminated/spoilt produce
-Warehouses/storage
sheds
-Observation/inspection
-Record keeping and
analysis
-Daily EHSSO/SME *as part of job functions
of EHSSO and SME
15. Sustainability of the
farming venture
-Records of payment of irrigation service charges
-Maintenance records
-Training records
-Resource use (fuel, electricity, water, agrochemicals,
etc.) records
-Availability of all necessary permits
- Record keeping and analysis Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of SME and
part of supervisory role
of GIDA
16. Public complaints/
grievances
-Type and nature of complaints and concerns;
-(Complaint records (Record of grievance and number
resolved/unresolved)
- Record keeping and analysis Daily EHSSO/SME *As part of job
functions of EHSSO and
SME
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 144 January 2018.
No. Environmental/ Social
Component/Issue
Monitoring Parameters Monitoring Site Measurements Frequency Responsibility Cost Estimate/ Year
(GH)
-Management and Stakeholder Meetings
17. Environmental
compliance
-Annual environmental, health and safety audits
-Quarterly returns of Monitoring Reports to EPA (in
line with LI 1652)
-Preparation of Annual Environmental Reports (in line
with LI 1652)
-Preparation of Environmental and Social
Management Plan (in line with LI 1652)
- Analysis of monitoring
reports/ Environmental
Assessment Regulations, LI
1652
Annually/
Quarterly
SME/
Environmental,
Health, Safety &
Security Officer
(EHSSO)
*As part of job
functions of SME and
EHSSO
TOTAL: 32,000
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 145 January 2018.
9.0 PROVISIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
A Provisional Environmental and Social Management Plan (PESMP) is developed for the project in
accordance with the Environmental Assessment Regulations of 1999, LI 1652 to ensure that the project
activities are carried out in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner. The provisional ESMP
outlines management commitment and the required training programmes for the sustainable
implementation of the proposed project. An estimated budget for the PESMP is included in this section.
A stand-alone ESMP has also been prepared to guide the implementation of the project.
9.1 Programme to meet Requirements
The programmes proposed to meet the mitigation measures and monitoring programmes will include the
following:
Adoption of Environmental, Health and Safety Policies and Operational Procedures;
Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Management Structuring;
Environmental, Health and Safety Committee;
Farmers’ information and training;
Environmental and social monitoring programmes;
Audits and Reviews; and
Environmental and social management budgeting.
9.1.1 Adoption of Environmental, Health and Safety Policies and Operational Procedures
The SME shall engage the services of a Consultant to assist the company develop environmental, health
and safety policies to guide the sustainable implementation of the project. The Consultant shall also assist
in formulating standard operational procedures for all the operations of the project from land preparation
through to storage and marketing, waste management, agrochemical handling and use, material storage
and management, etc. The standard operational procedures will serve to guide the farmers in their daily
activities and also serve as a training manual for in-service training as well as training farm hands/workers
engaged on the project.
9.1.2 Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) Management Structuring
GIDA shall be the overall responsible body for regulating the scheme development. The GIDA Scheme
Supervisor shall supervise and regulate the activities of the WUAs and oversee activities of the SME and
other actors on the scheme (as indicated in Section 3.5.1).
The SME shall appoint an Environment, Health, Safety and Security Officer (EHSSO) who will be
responsible for the management of the environment, health and safety of farmers and workers, and
security at the project site. Each WUA shall appoint an Environmental, Health and Safety Representative
(EHSR) and each Anchor Farmer shall have an Environmental, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO).
Security Services for the Scheme shall be outsourced. The selected security firm will also perform life
guard services during emergencies, and will function as one of the Product and Service Enterprises (refer
to Figure 3-5). The security firm shall have a Security Coordinator to supervise their activities.
The EHSRs, EHSOs and Security Coordinator shall report directly to the EHSSO and assist the EHSSO in the
day-to-day implementation of environmental, health and safety procedures of the scheme. They shall
hold weekly meetings to deliberate and discuss environment, health, safety and security issues arising
during the previous week and put in measures for the ensuing week. Figure 9-1 shows the organizational
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 146 January 2018.
structure for EHSS Management of the scheme. The main functions of the EHSSO, EHSRs, EHSOs and
Security Coordinator are summarised in Table 9-1.
SME
EHSSO
EHSRs
(WUAs)
SECURITY
SUPERVISOR EHSOs
(Anchor Farmers)
Figure 9-1: Organizational Structure for EHSS Management of KLBIP
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 147 January 2018.
Table 9-1: Key functions of the EHSSO, EHSRs, EHSOs and Security Coordinator
EHSSO EHSR/EHSO Security Coordinator
1. Lead the implementation of environment, health, safety
and security policies of the project, including technical
and non-technical operations.
1. Liaising with the EHSSO to ensure implementation of
environment, health and safety policies.
1. Liaising with the EHSSO to develop and ensure
implementation of security policies.
2. Liaise with the Scheme Management Entity to ensure all
required PPEs, waste bins and other logistics are provided
for the project.
2. Ensuring adherence to environment, health and safety
procedures and the correct use of PPEs provided for
farmers/ workers in carrying out their activities.
2. Ensuring adherence to security measures in and around
the project site.
3. Ensure all machinery and equipment are in good
condition and well serviced and the operators adhere to
environment, health and safety procedures.
3. Ensuring waste bins provided at the farm and all premises
(warehouse/workshop/offices, etc.) are appropriately used
and emptied on time.
3. Organizing and coordinating training on security and
lifeguard services for all security personnel and security
awareness program for farmers/workers.
4. Liaise with regulatory institutions such as EPA and GNFS. 4. Keeping records and reporting all incidents/accidents and
illnesses to the EHSSO.
4. Keeping records and reporting on all security issues to
the EHSSO.
5. Work closely with all Consultants engaged in carrying out
their work.
5. Reporting all complains from the farmers/workers
concerning environment, health and safety to the EHSSO.
5. Supervising security personnel to ensure security is
maintained at the project site.
6. Supervise the EHSRs, EHSOs and Security Coordinator to
ensure implementation of environment, health, safety
and security procedures.
6. Reporting all non-compliances to environment, health
and safety procedures to the EHSSO for appropriate action.
6. Preventing unauthorized access to the canal system by
community members, especially children.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 148 January 2018.
9.1.3 Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee
The Manager of the SME, WUA Leaders, Managers of Anchor Farmers, EHSSO, EHSRs, EHSOs and Security
Coordinator shall constitute the EHSS Committee of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of KLBIP. The
EHSS Committee shall have monthly meetings to discuss and deliberate on environment, health, safety
and security issues. To ensure the commitment and direct involvement of the Management of the
Scheme, the Manager of the SME shall head the EHSS Committee and chair all meetings.
The functions of the Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee shall among other things
include:
Implementing Environment, Health, Safety and Security Policies formulated for the Project;
Implementing the environmental permit conditions and mitigation, monitoring and management
measures in the ESIA report;
Engaging the services of Consultant(s) where necessary to assist with the preparation and
implementation of Environment, Health, Safety and Security Policies and environmental permit
conditions;
Identifying appropriate training programmes for the workers/farmers;
Reviewing monthly data collated on environmental management, farmers/workers’ health and safety
and security issues;
Addressing environment, health, safety and security complains and concerns of farmers/workers and
communities; and
Undertaking disciplinary actions against workers and farmers who don’t comply with health and
safety procedures.
9.1.4 Farmers/Workers Information and Training
The SME will ensure effective dissemination of information to all workers and farmers. Training
programmes will be regularly organized for workers and farmers in collaboration with Agricultural
Extension Officers and Consultants on agronomic practices, appropriate use and handling of
agrochemicals, environmental health and safety issues, etc. These will include training for all farmers,
farm hands and workers before they are engaged, formal in-service trainings and demonstrations at
farms, warehouses, workshops and other premises. The EHSRs and EHSOs will be trained on the
environmental permit conditions and mitigation and management measures in this ESIA report as well as
provided with first aid training. Contracted security personnel will have training on ensuring adequate
security at the project site, preventing unauthorized access to the project site, especially children from
the neighbouring communities and performing lifeguard services during emergencies.
Providing adequate training for the workers and farmers and ensuring effective dissemination of
information will contribute immensely towards:
i. environmental management through the judicious use of resources, appropriate disposal of wastes;
ii. prevention of accidents that might cause injury to workers and farmers and pose risks to persons
and the general environment; and
iii. ensuring security in and around the project site to protect lives and property of the workers/farmers
and the neighbouring communities.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 149 January 2018.
9.1.5 Environmental and Social Monitoring Programmes
Comprehensive monitoring programmes will be developed based on the monitoring plan in Chapter 8 for
relevant environmental and social monitoring parameters. The monitoring programme shall also be in
accordance with the directives of the EPA in the environmental permit conditions.
9.1.6 Audits and Reviews
Annual environmental, health, safety and security audits and reviews will be conducted to assess the
performance of the environment, health, safety and security policies and operational procedures
implemented. The monitoring programme will form the basis for effective auditing and reviews. The
outcome of the annual audits and reviews will underpin the periodic update of the ESMP of the proposed
project.
9.2 Public Participation
The doors of the SME will always be opened to the general public for complaints/grievances, suggestions
and advice on the scheme, including environment, social and security related issues. Complains and
suggestions may also be channeled through the EHSSO, EHSRs, EHSOs and Security Coordinator.
9.3 Grievance Redress Mechanism
A grievance is any query, call for clarification, problems, and concerns raised by individuals or groups
related to activities undertaken or processes applied by the project. Grievances can be an indication of
growing stakeholder concerns and can escalate if not identified and resolved. The management of
grievances is therefore a vital component of stakeholder management and ensuring the sustainability of
a project. A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is therefore a system by which queries or clarifications
about a project are responded to, problems that arise out of implementation are resolved and grievances
are addressed efficiently and effectively. An effective and efficient GRM should have multiple avenues or
channels for lodging complaints, transparency, promptness and timeliness of responses and clear
procedures.
The EHSSO will be responsible for receiving grievances which may be channeled to him directly through
face-to-face communication, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, etc. Grievances may also be sent
to the EHSSO through the EHSRs, EHSOs and Security Coordinator. The EHSSO shall have a log book for
keeping records of all grievances received. Any grievance received from the public shall be treated
confidentially and resolved in a transparent and fair manner. The process of resolving grievances shall
comprise the following tiers:
1. Executives of Stakeholder Governing Board (SGB);
2. Community Leaders;
3. District Assembly; and
4. Court of Law.
From the community sensitization and engagement carried out for the proposed project, many grievances
are not anticipated to arise from the project implementation and any unforeseen grievances may be
resolved at the second tier (Community Leaders) in the worst case. The process of resolving grievances is
summarised in Figure 9-2.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 150 January 2018.
Grievance received by EHSSO
Executives of SGB meet and take decision
Feedback to complainant
Complainant satisfied with decision (Grievance resolved)
Complainant not satisfied (Grievance unresolved
1 week
Complainant not satisfied (Grievance unresolved
Complainant not satisfied (Grievance unresolved
Grievance sent to Community Leaders (Assembly Member to receive)
Decision taken through discussion with Executives of SGB and Complainant
Complainant satisfied (Grievance resolved)
Grievance sent to District Assembly (District Development Officer/Planning Officer to receive)
Decision taken through discussion with all parties
Complainant satisfied (Grievance resolved)
Complainant takes legal action
TIER 1
Law Court Rules
TIER 2
TIER 3
TIER 4
2 wks
2-4 wks
Figure 9-2: Grievance Redress Process for the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of KLBIP
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 151 January 2018.
9.4 Environmental and Social Management Budget
The environmental and social management plans described above require detailed cost analysis after
project development to determine the budget needed for implementation. Management has however
earmarked Two Hundred and Six Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢206,000.00) annually on environmental
and social monitoring, and training and awareness creation programmes as well as reporting as shown in
Table 9-2. This figure is subject to review following confirmation from cost studies to be carried out after
project development phase.
Table 9-2: Environmental and Social Management Budget
No. Programme Frequency/ Timeline Cost/year
(GH)
1. Environmental monitoring (refer to Table 8-1) Continuous 32,000
2. Implementation of mitigation and enhancement
measures (refer to Table 7-1)
Continuous 54,000
3. Capacity Building and Training Continuous 81,000
4. Environmental Auditing and Reporting
Annual environmental, health and safety audits Quarterly 3,000
Returns of Monitoring Reports to EPA (in line with LI
1652)
Quarterly As part of
duties of EHSSO
Preparation of Annual Environmental Reports (in line
with LI 1652)
Annually 10,000
Preparation of Environmental and Social
Management Plan (in line with LI 1652)
18 months after commencement
of project and subsequently
every 3yrs
20,000
5. Grievance Redress
Management and Stakeholder Meetings
Monthly 6,000
Total 206,000.00
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 152 January 2018.
10.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES
Response measures have been proposed for the following emergencies which may arise during project
implementation:
i. Fire;
ii. Medical or Accident;
iii. Agrochemical Spill;
iv. Oil Spill; and
v. Flooding.
10.1 Fire Emergency
Small fires
Small fires are put out quite safely. A simple firefighting procedure followed to put out a small fire is
provided below:
The first person to sight the fire must sound the fire alarm if at a warehouse/workshop/office
premises or shout FIRE!! FIRE!! FIRE!! if at the farm;
Farmers and workers trained to use fire extinguishers (fire volunteers) are permitted to fight fire on
site. All others must evacuate the area;
Tackle fire in its very early stages at the source;
Always put your own and other people’s safety first. Make sure you can escape if you need to and
never let a fire block your exit;
Never tackle a fire if it is from a position against the prevailing wind direction and if the source cannot
be determined. If in an enclosed area such as warehouse/workshop/office premises, never tackle a
fire if it is starting to spread or has spread to other items in the room or if the room is filling with
smoke;
If the situation is solved, investigate the reason for the fire and clean the place;
Report to the EHSRs/EHSOs/Security Coordinator/EHSSO.
Large fires
These are fires that cannot be put out by the trained fire volunteers and the GNFS will have to be called
to fight it. The evacuation procedures to follow include:
The first person to sight the fire must sound the fire alarm if at the warehouse/workshop/office
premises or shout FIRE!! FIRE!! FIRE!! if at the farm;
Evacuate the building or area and report at the ASSEMBLY POINT;
Immediately report to the EHSRs/EHSOs/Security Coordinator/EHSSO to call the GNFS;
Contact numbers of the North Tongu District’s GNFS and the Volta River Authority Fire Service Station
in Akuse will be conspicuously displayed at offices, warehouses, workshop and security posts;
The EHSRs/EHSOs/Security Coordinator/EHSSO has to check on remaining farmers and workers and
carry out a fast, calm and secured evacuation;
A head count will be conducted to ensure all farmers and workers are safe and present;
If there has been any injuries, they will be conveyed to the nearest health facility (Torgorme Health
Centre/ Akuse Government Hospital);
Keep records of any injuries and the fire event.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 153 January 2018.
10.2 Medical or Accident
In the event of any accident or injury the procedures to follow include:
If it is a minor accident/injury and the victim can move, he/she should report to the EHSR/EHSO.
The EHSR/EHSO who is trained in administering first aid, will treat the injury.
The EHSR/EHSO will decide if the victim needs further treatment at the Medical Centre and if so will
arrange together with the EHSSO for the victim to be sent to the nearest health facility (Torgorme
Health Centre/ Akuse Government Hospital) immediately.
The EHSR/EHSO together with the EHSSO will investigate and take records of the accident/injury
including the source and cause of the accident/injury.
If the accident/injury is such that the victim cannot move by him/herself but can be moved, the
farmer/workers present should assist him/her to the EHSR/EHSO to administer first aid and arrange
for the person to be sent to the nearest health facility immediately.
If the accident/injury is such that the victim cannot be moved, the workers/farmers present should
put him in a stable condition and immediately call the EHSR/EHSO/EHSSO. The EHSSO will
immediately arrange for medical staff from the nearest health facility to be brought to the farm to
attend to the victim.
All accidents and injury will be recorded by the EHSSO.
In the event of someone falling into the canals the following measures should be followed:
The first person to sight the victim should immediately raise an alarm by shouting HELP!!HELP!!HELP!!
to call a Security Personnel to the site.
The Security Personnel (who is trained as a lifeguard) should immediately assess the situation and
carry out a rescue mission. The Security Personnel should be mindful of his own safety when carrying
out a rescue mission and should call for assistance from other Security Personnel.
Perform a resuscitation on the victim where necessary and administer first aid.
Take the victim to the nearest health facility for further treatment.
Report to the Security Coordinator/EHSSO.
An investigation should be conducted and records of the incident kept.
10.3 Agrochemical Spill
Agrochemical spills involving spillages of stored fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides/herbicides may
occur in storage sheds/rooms or on the farm when in use. The procedures to follow include the following.
For spillages on concrete floors such as at storage sheds/rooms;
If the spilled agrochemical is solid such as granulated fertilizer, quickly gather and collect the product
using the appropriate PPE such as gloves and wash the area with a lot of water and disinfectant.
If the spilled agrochemical is liquid, quickly contain the spillage using saw dust provided at the site to
prevent the spilled product from spreading. Collect the used saw dust, wash the surface with a lot of
water and disinfectant and report to the EHSR/EHSO who will decide the appropriate disposal of the
used saw dust together with the EHSSO.
If the spilled product gets into contact with any part of the body, quickly wash the body part with a
lot of clean running water and immediately report to the EHSR/EHSO/EHSSO.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 154 January 2018.
For spillages at the farm;
If the spilled product is solid such as granulated fertilizer, gather and collect the product which would
have mixed with soil using a shovel and wearing gloves and report to the EHSR/EHSO/EHSSO to decide
on its use or disposal.
If the spilled agrochemical is liquid, immediately use a shovel to scoop the contaminated soil into a
container. Ensure to scoop beyond the contaminated area to ensure no contaminated soil is left
uncollected. Immediately report to the EHSR/EHSO to take a decision on its appropriate disposal
together with the EHSSO.
If the spilled product gets into contact with any part of the body, quickly wash the body part with a
lot of clean running water and immediately report to the EHSR/EHSO/EHSSO.
10.4 Oil Spill
Oil spills may involve spillages of fuel and lubricants which may occur whiles in storage or in use on hard
surfaces (concreted/ tiled/paved floor) such as at storage sheds/rooms, workshop or on the ground.
Spillage on hard surface
Immediately contain the spillage using saw dust provided at the site to prevent it from spreading.
Collect the used saw dust, wash the surface with a lot of water and disinfectant and report to the
EHSR/EHSO who will decide the appropriate disposal of the used saw dust together with the EHSSO.
If the spilled product gets into contact with any part of the body, quickly wash the body part with a
lot of clean running water and immediately report to the EHSSO.
Spillage on the ground
Immediately use a shovel to scoop the contaminated soil into a container. Ensure to scoop beyond
the contaminated area to ensure no contaminated soil is left uncollected.
Immediately report to the EHSR/EHSO to take a decision on its appropriate disposal together with the
EHSSO.
If the spilled product gets into contact with any part of the body, quickly wash the body part with a
lot of clean running water and immediately report to the EHSSO.
10.5 Flooding
Flooding of the farm may occur from continuous heavy rainfall resulting in pools of water in low lying
areas of the field, including the paddy fields for rice cultivation, or the distribution canals and streams
overflow their banks to flood portions of the farm. As a preventive measure to flooding, the following
measure must be followed especially during the rainy season;
Drainage channels for paddy fields should be cleared of silt and weeds to allow free flow of water.
Channels in between plots for other crops should be opened at the commencement of the rainy
season by clearing any weeds, dead vegetative material or soil to allow free flow of water during the
rainy season.
When such flooding occurs the measures to follow include:
For paddy fields (rice cultivation area), open the wastewater outlet of the paddy field to allow the
water flow out;
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 155 January 2018.
For other low lying areas of the field inundated with water, create channels to link the flooded areas
to the “inter-plot” channels to allow the flood water flow through the “inter-plot” channels out of the
farm;
Stay away from the boundary of the streams, drainage channels and canals. If possible use pegs/poles
to show the boundary of the streams, drainage channels and canals to serve as a guide to others; and
Report to the EHSRs/EHSOs/Security Coordinator/EHSSO.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 156 January 2018.
11.0 DECOMMISSIONG
The proposed project involves rehabilitation and modernisation a canal irrigation system and the
development of 2000ha land for farming. The crops to be cultivated are cereals (rice and maize), grain
legumes (cowpea and soya beans) and vegetables (pepper, okra, cabbage, watermelon and butternut
squash).
The crops to be cultivated are annual crops and complete their life cycle, from germination to production
of seed, within one year. They can be cultivated for as long as the necessary factors of soil nutrient, water
availability, market availability etc. exist.
In the event decommissioning of the project is necessary, a decommissioning plan will need to be
fashioned out.
11.1 Decommissioning Plan
In keeping with environmental regulations of the country including the Environmental Assessment
Regulations 1999, LI 1652, a reclamation or post project closure plan with time frame and cost estimates
will be periodically discussed with the relevant regulatory authorities (the EPA, GCAP, GIDA and North
Tongu District Assembly).
11.2 Potential Decommissioning Activities
In the event that the project has to be decommissioned, this will be done at the end of the planting
season. The principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover (4 R’s) will be applied in all decommissioning
phase activities. The likely activities to be carried out during decommissioning of the project include:
11.2.1 Stakeholder Consultation
Before a decision is taken to discontinue the proposed project, the SGB will extensively consult all the
farmers and workers involved in the project. The SGB will also inform and make its programme available
to relevant stakeholders including regulatory agencies such as the EPA and GNFS, other government
agencies such as the North Tongu District Assembly, local authorities including the Chiefs and leaders of
Torgorme Traditional Council and all its customers and suppliers.
11.2.2 Evacuation of Farmers and Workers
At the end of the last farming season, farmers and workers on the scheme will be made to leave the
project site. Work at warehouses, workshops and offices will also cease after the last consignment of
produce are sold and workers made to leave.
11.2.3 Removal of Moveable Property
Moveable property including equipment and machinery will be removed from the site and sent to new
project sites for use or sold to potential users or donated.
11.2.4 Transfer of ownership of Non-moveable Property
Non-moveable property which will include the canals, warehouses, workshop, offices, etc. will not be
demolished. They will be handed over to the government through the North Tongu District Assembly for
use.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 157 January 2018.
11.2.5 Waste Management
Any waste to be generated from the decommissioning process will be properly disposed. Recyclable waste
such as machine and equipment parts will be handed over to scrap dealers for recycling. Non-recyclable
waste will be collected and dumped at the District Assembly’s approved dump site.
11.2.6 Site Restoration/Rehabilitation
The management of the scheme will plant trees (including nitrogen fixing trees) and cover crops at the
project site as a means of restoring the land. This will be done in consultation with the North Tongu District
Assembly and other stakeholders such as the community leaders.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 158 January 2018.
12.0 CONCLUSION
GCAP is committed to ensuring sustainable environmental management and safeguarding the health and
safety of the farmers and all other workers as well as the general public in the implementation of the
proposed Rehabilitation and Modernization of the KLBIP. GCAP is also aware of the provisions in the
Environmental Protection Agency Act 1994, Act 490 and Environmental Assessment Regulations 1999, LI
1652. In keeping with these laws, this ESIS has identified and assessed key environmental and social
impacts and concerns that may arise from the implementation of the proposed project.
Stakeholder consultations, which play a critical role in integrating economic, social and environmental
concerns in the environmental and social impact assessment process by sharing and obtaining inputs from
the public, was also carried out. All relevant stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, other
government institutions, the North Tongu District Assembly, community leaders and members as well as
potential beneficiaries within the project’s area of influence were consulted and their views and concerns
integrated in this report.
Consultations with stakeholders, review of relevant literature, field inspections and studies underpinned
the identification of the project adverse environmental and social impacts. Mitigation measures have
been provided to address these impacts and any residual impacts arising after application of the full
mitigation measures will be minor or negligible. A monitoring programme to help detect changes arising
from the predicted adverse impacts has also been prepared and presented in the report together with a
PESMP. The recommendations laid out in the PESMP for the project should also ensure a high level of
environmental protection is maintained.
The proposed Rehabilitation and Modernization of the KLBIP by GCAP has the potential to provide
numerous benefits to the communities in the project area and the national economy. These include
employment opportunities for farmers and workers who will be engaged, enhanced incomes and
livelihoods, increased food production and food security and improvement in revenue generation of
regulatory institutions and the national economy.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 159 January 2018.
13.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carpenter, K. E. & De Angelis, N. (eds.) (2014, 2016): FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes.
The Living Marine Resources of the Eastern Central Atlantic. FAO, Rome, Italy. Vols. 1 – 4.
Dankwa, H. R., E. K. Abban and G. G. Teugels (1999): Freshwater fishes of Ghana: Identification, distribution,
ecological and economic importance. Annales Sciences Zoologiques, Belgium. Vol. 283, 53 pp.
Environmental and Social Management Framework for the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project – Final
Report (GCAP), 2011.
Environmental Scoping Report for Anyako Farms Limited, April 2016.
Environmental Scoping Report for the AgDevCo Babator Farming Hub Project, May 2015.
Environmental Scoping Report for the KLBIP prepared by WAPCOS for GCAP, March 2016.
Gbireh, Z.A (2015) Anyako Farms Limited Feasibility Level Assessment Report.
Ghana Statistical Service (2014) 2010 National Population & Housing Census. District Analytical Report.
North Tongu District.
Holden, M. & W. Reed (1972): West African Freshwater Fish.West African Nature Handbooks. Longman
Group Ltd., Singapore. 68 pp.
IFC and EBRD (2009). Guidance on Workers’ Accommodation.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (2013) Preparatory Survey on Eastern Corridor Development
Project in the Republic of Ghana Final Report.
Junk, W.J., Bayley P.B. and Sparks, R.E. (1989): The Flood Pulse Concept in River-floodplain Systems. In:
Proceedings of the International Large River Symposium (ed. D.P. Dodge). Canadian Special Publication of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 106. Ottawa. Pp. 110-127.
McCartney, M.; Forkuor, G.; Sood, A.; Amisigo, B.; Hattermann, F.; Muthuwatta, L. (2012). The water
resource implications of changing climate in the Volta River Basin. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water
Management Institute (IWMI Research Report 146). doi:10.5337/2012.219
Ministry of Environment and Science (2002). National Biodiversity Strategy for Ghana.
National Land Policy, 1999.
National Water Policy, 2007.
North Tongu District (2014). District Medium Term Development Plant 2014 – 2017.
North Tongu District Health Directorate (2014). 2014 Annual Performance Report.
Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., Owusu, E. H., Dramani, D.T., and Nouh, A. A. (2001): Ghana Pp. 367-389 in L. D. C.
Fishpool and M. I. Evans, eds. Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: Priority sites for
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 160 January 2018.
conservation. Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publication and BirdLife International (BirdLife
Conservation Series No.11).
Project Implementation Manual for Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) – Final Draft, 2013.
Rödel, M.O. and Agyei, A.C. (2002). Herpetological Survey in the Volta Region, Eastern Ghana. Available
online from: http://www.cepf.net/Documents/voltasurvey.pdf (Accessed on 20 February 2016).
Schiotz, A. (1969) Amphibia of West Africa: a review. Niger Fld., 34: 4-17.
Smit, C. J. and Piersma, T. (1989): Numbers, midwinter distribution and migration of wader populations
using the East Atlantic Flyway. Pp. 24-63 in H. Boyd and J. Y. Pirot, eds. Flyways and reserve networks for
water-birds. Slimbridge, UK: IWRB.
Vannote, R.L., Minshall, G.M., Cummins, K.W., Sedell, J.R. and Cushing, C.E. (1980): The River Continuum
Concept. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 37: 130-137.
WAPCOS Limited (2016a) Technical Review Report. Consulting Services to Update the Feasibility Studies
and Supervise the Completion of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP).
WAPCOS Limited (2016b) Preliminary Design Report. Consulting Services to Update the Feasibility Studies
and Supervise the Completion of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP).
WAPCOS Limited (2016c) Feasibility Report. Consulting Services to Update the Feasibility Studies and
Supervise the Completion of the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Project (KLBIP).
Welcomme, R.L. (1976): Some General and Theoretical Considerations on the Fish Yield of African Rivers.
J. Fish Biol. 8: 351-364.
Welcomme, R.L. (1985): River Fisheries. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. No. 262. FAO, Rome. 330p.
Welcomme, R.L. (1986): The Effects of the Sahelian Drought on the Fishery of the Central Delta of the Niger
River. Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. 17: 147-154.
World Bank Group, Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Annual Crop Production, March 30,
2016.
SAL Consult Ltd GCAP - MoFA
Final ESIS. ESIA of the Rehabilitation and Modernisation of the KLBIP. Page 161 January 2018.
ANNEXES
Annex 1a EPA Response to the Project Registration
Annex 1b EPA Response to Scoping
Annex 1c EPA and GCAP/World Bank Comments on the Draft and Revised ESIA and Responses
Annex 2 Copy of the Scoping Notice Publication
Annex 3 Water Quality Results by WAPCOS
Annex 4 Evidence of Stakeholder Consultations by WAPCOS
Annex 5 Evidence of Stakeholder Consultations by SAL Consult Limited
Annex 6 Extracts of EPA’s Revised Register of Approved and Banned Agrochemicals (December,
2015)
Annex 7 WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes – Class 1a, Class 1b
and Class II.
Annex 8 Annexes A and B of Stockholm Convention.
Annex 9 Major parameters for Surface Water Quality Monitoring
Annex 10 Air and Noise Level from a Typical Rice Mill
Annex 11 Relevant Environmental Quality Guidelines