Traditional authorities’ role in the management of shared dams in the Builsa North Municipality, Ghana.

Abstract

Traditional leaders are crucial to the management of shared dam water, particularly in rural communities of developing countries. Their roles are meant to ensure equitable use and sustenance of the dam water shared among their subjects. This knowledge prompted this research to investigate traditional authorities’ role in the management of shared dams in the Wiaga Traditional Area of Builsa North Municipality, Ghana. This study sought to investigate the involvement of the traditional authorities in the management of shared dams, challenges and resolution of traditional authorities’ role in the management of shared dams, and the coordination between the indigenous leaders and state agencies. Informed by the constructivism philosophy, case study design was employed to purposively select three communities for the study. This qualitative study solicited data from twelve participants who were selected for interviews. They included traditional rulers, assembly members and other state agencies responsible for water provision. Field observations were also made in collecting data. With thematic analysis of the primary data, the study found dams at Yimonsa, Guuta and Longsa communities as the main shared water resources. These dams were constructed by the Water Resources Commission, Ghana Irrigation Development Authority and Municipal Assembly for domestic and agricultural purposes. Regarding the management of the dams, traditional leaders, in partnership with assembly members used indigenous approaches to ensure equitable use and management of the resources. Where there were tensions, they were largely resolved using similar means. They collaborated with the state agencies for high-level management decisions with regards to the dams. The study therefore recommends the construction of more dams and expansion of older ones by the WRC, GIDA and Municipal Assembly due to the multiple benefits derived from them. Also, communities should be educated on the need to appreciate the important roles of traditional leaders in ensuring sustainable management of shared dams. More so, formidable laws of both indigenous and modern should be framed as policy to avoid future dangers.