Exploring the psychological and emotional burden of compulsory acquisition: a case study of New Akrade-Mpakadan, Ghana

Ewusie, I; Tannor, O; Ahiadu, AA; Ntim, OK

Exploring the psychological and emotional burden of compulsory acquisition: a case study of New Akrade-Mpakadan, Ghana

Ewusie, I Tannor, O Ahiadu, AA Ntim, OK

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Publisher:: Emerald
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Property Management, 2024, 42, (5), pp. 713-731
Issue Date:: 2024-10-10

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Ewusie, I
dc.contributor.author	Tannor, O
dc.contributor.author	Ahiadu, AA
dc.contributor.author	Ntim, OK
dc.date.accessioned	2025-06-25T04:07:24Z
dc.date.available	2025-06-25T04:07:24Z
dc.date.issued	2024-10-10
dc.identifier.citation	Property Management, 2024, 42, (5), pp. 713-731
dc.identifier.issn	0263-7472
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187914
dc.description.abstract	Purpose This paper aims to explore the psychological, emotional and equity implications of compulsory acquisition, evaluate the adequacy of compensation in mitigating those consequences and assess the sustainability of cash compensation for future generations. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was operationalised to investigate the experiences of 40 project-affected persons (PAPs) four years after a compulsory acquisition project in Ghana s New Akrade-Mpakadan region for the construction of a railway line. These perspectives were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analyses using the NVivo software. Figures and a holistic framework were adopted to report the identified issues. Findings Overall, only 25 of PAPs received formal communication prior to the acquisition, and only 10.3 have been fully compensated four years later. Despite the acquiring body initiating the marking of properties and compensation assessment in 2019, no payments were made until 2021. This induced emotional responses of distress, loss, uncertainty, stress and sadness, which was further exacerbated by feelings of hopelessness because there was no platform to voice concerns or pursue arbitration. Although PAPs were only offered compensation in the form of single monetary payments, a third would have preferred re-settlement. Research limitations/implications By exploring the emotional and psychological effects of compulsory land acquisition, the study adds a new dimension to understanding its consequences. This may spark more interest, debate and discourse amongst researchers and policymakers and lead to the creation or enhancement of existing policy and legal measures to address the needs of PAPs in compulsory acquisition projects in developing countries. Originality/value The financial consequences of eminent domain are well documented, but this study explored the psychological, emotional and equity implications of the practice under conditions of weak regulator
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Emerald
dc.relation.ispartof	Property Management
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1108/pm-10-2023-0105
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	Copyright ©2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. This AAM is provided for your own personal use only. It may not be used for resale, reprinting, systematic distribution, emailing, or for any other commercial purpose without the permission of the publisher
dc.subject	12 Built Environment and Design, 15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
dc.subject.classification	Urban & Regional Planning
dc.subject.classification	33 Built environment and design
dc.subject.classification	35 Commerce, management, tourism and services
dc.title	Exploring the psychological and emotional burden of compulsory acquisition: a case study of New Akrade-Mpakadan, Ghana
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	42
utslib.for	12 Built Environment and Design
utslib.for	15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	true
dc.date.updated	2025-06-25T04:07:23Z
pubs.issue	5
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	42
utslib.citation.issue	5

Abstract:

Purpose This paper aims to explore the psychological, emotional and equity implications of compulsory acquisition, evaluate the adequacy of compensation in mitigating those consequences and assess the sustainability of cash compensation for future generations. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was operationalised to investigate the experiences of 40 project-affected persons (PAPs) four years after a compulsory acquisition project in Ghana s New Akrade-Mpakadan region for the construction of a railway line. These perspectives were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analyses using the NVivo software. Figures and a holistic framework were adopted to report the identified issues. Findings Overall, only 25 of PAPs received formal communication prior to the acquisition, and only 10.3 have been fully compensated four years later. Despite the acquiring body initiating the marking of properties and compensation assessment in 2019, no payments were made until 2021. This induced emotional responses of distress, loss, uncertainty, stress and sadness, which was further exacerbated by feelings of hopelessness because there was no platform to voice concerns or pursue arbitration. Although PAPs were only offered compensation in the form of single monetary payments, a third would have preferred re-settlement. Research limitations/implications By exploring the emotional and psychological effects of compulsory land acquisition, the study adds a new dimension to understanding its consequences. This may spark more interest, debate and discourse amongst researchers and policymakers and lead to the creation or enhancement of existing policy and legal measures to address the needs of PAPs in compulsory acquisition projects in developing countries. Originality/value The financial consequences of eminent domain are well documented, but this study explored the psychological, emotional and equity implications of the practice under conditions of weak regulator

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187914