Ibi tse yie (some people are better off): Wealth Re-distribution Mechanisms in the Coastal Town Moree, Ghana

Abstract

Motorization of the artisanal fishery sector led to heightened social stratification in Ghanaiancoastal fisheries. That stratification occurred because some households could not afford to adoptthe new innovation. This thesis attempts to understand the socio-cultural underpinningsinfluencing the livelihood strategies of the fishers in Moree, a major Ghanaian coastal town. Theresearch problem is why the institutions which influence the re-distribution of wealth in Moreehave been maintained over the years, in spite of modernization in the fisheries industry. In theMoree township, there is a process of re-distribution of wealth from the richest down to thepoorest. Rich fishers have the moral obligation to assist poorer ones in order to maintain theformer’s status as rich. Poor fishers also have roles they are expected to perform in order todemonstrate that they deserve such assistance. The study examines the intricate interpersonalrelationships between the rich and the poor and the reliance of the poor on the rich for their dailylivelihoods. This study is based on a survey informed by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach;of forty-five households in Moree. Those households range from the poorest to the richest; andthe study focuses on the means/assets available to them and how they sustain a living through theuse of those assets. An institutional approach is the main theoretical framework used in thisresearch. The analysis examines local institutions promoting redistribution of wealth from therich and wealthier groups to the poor and/or marginalized groups. It is argued that an importantreason why the rich fulfill their duty of helping the poor is to maintain their position asrespectable citizens. This is also a requirement to become rich in this fishing community.