infoiess@ug.edu.gh

+233 (0) 302 962 720

Box LG 209, Legon, Accra

Dr. Benjamin Dankyira Ofori

Position: 
Senior Research Fellow

 

Year of Employment:                           2000

Dr. Benjamin D. Ofori is a Human Geographer with special interest in Rural Resources, Marketing and Community Livelihood (especially in dam-affected areas), Settlement Dynamics including Urban Growth, and Sanitation and Waste Management.  His research interest covers local trading and marketing activities, operation and management of local markets, service centres, food supply chain, community livelihoods, management of local resources and conservation, waste management, and resource use efficiency and circular economy.
 
His recent research activities have focused on markets and service centres in the middle belt/forest savannah transition zone of Ghana. He has been involved in several action-oriented research activities in the Lower Volta Basin and other extension projects aimed at addressing the challenges of rural communities and improving their livelihoods.  He has experience in rural research methodologies and advocacy.  He is a team player and has been collaborating with other researchers and officers in government and non-governmental institutions on many programmes. He has co-initiated a number rural livelihood support programmes for Heifer Project International and provided consultancy services for the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on community participation in dam development, the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership (World Bank Group) among others. He has visited several countries around the world and travelled extensively in Ghana which has given him good knowledge of the country especially the Volta Basin.
 
Dr. Ofori has been teaching courses and supervising graduate thesis in the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana.  He has a number of technical reports, peer-reviewed articles in journals, papers as book chapters and reviewed articles in conference proceedings. 

 

Educational History: 

  • 2003 – 2010   PhD, Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon. Thesis: “A Geographical Study of Market Centres and Trading Activities along the Volta Lake”
  • 1992 – 1996   MPhil, Geography and Resource Development (Rural Development) University of Ghana, Legon Thesis: “Problems and Prospects of Marketing Farm Produce in the Kwahu-North District of Ghana”
  • 1985 – 1988   BA (Hons), Geography with Sociology University of Ghana, Legon 
 
Research Interests:
  • City region food system
  • Settlement dynamics and environmental Change
  • Local markets and domestic trade
  • Community Livelihoods, especially in Dam-affected Areas
  • Waste management, Circular Economy & Resource use Efficiency

 

Research Activities, Consultancy and Technical Reports
  1. “A Roadmap for Radical Reduction of Plastics Pollution in Ghana”.  Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership (November, 2021). Member, Data Collection and Analysis Team 
  2. EPA (2017) Ghana State of the Environment Report. Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Accra. Member of Lead Authorship
  3. Padgham J., Abubakari, A., Ayivor, J., Dietrich, K., Gordon, C., Ofori, B., Fosu-Mensah, B., Habtezion, S., Lawson, E., Mensah, A., Sidibe., Sissoko, M., Totin, E., Traoré, S.  (2015). Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Areas in West Africa Regional Diagnostic Studies Report.  CARRIA, ASSAR., March 2015.
  4. The Resettlement Experience of Ghana Analysed via Case Studies of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams”.  Paper presented at the 9th Annual Symposium on Poverty Research in Sri Lanka: Exploring Experiences of Resettlement, Nov. 2008.  With Rachid-Sally, L., Akoto-Danso, E. K., Kalitsi E. A. and Koranteng K, R. T.
  5. Strategies for Community Participation in Dam Development (2008).  Client: International Water Management Institute (IWMI), West Africa Regional Office, Accra.
  6. Global International Water Assessment (GIWA). Regional Assessments, Special Edition for the Pan African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (Dec. 2003). UNEP, GEF, KALMAR. et. Al
  7. Lower Volta Ducks Project (2000-2004).  Client: Heifer Project International
  8. Integrated Management of the Volta Basin Project: Ghana Country Report (2002). Contributed to the report for GEF/UNDP/EPA/MEST.
  9. Lower Volta Environmental Impact Studies Reports:
  • Lower Volta Environmental Impact Studies: ‘Special Report on Workshops, On-site Demonstration and Field Trials’, VBRP, Legon (2000)
  • Environmental Degradation in the Volta Gorge North of Akosombo Dam: Dimensions and Recommended Mitigative Measures.MEST/VRA.VBRP Technical Rep. 1/98 (
  • Lower Volta Environmental Impact Studies Status Report for Phase I (Agroecology): Submitted to VRA. VBRP Technical Rep. 1/97 (1996)
  • Bilharzia Survey in the Ada area.VBRP Technical Rep. 1/97 (1997)
  • Location, Population Size and Water Sources of Settlements in the Lower Volta Basin.Volta Basin Research Project (VBRP) Technical Report Technical Rep. 1/96 (1996)

 

Selected Publications
Book Chapters
  1. Puplampu, K.P., Patrick, H.O., Ofori, B.D. (2023). Natural Resources Management, Sovereign Wealth Fund, and the Green Economy: Digitalization, Policies, and Institutions for Sustainable Development in Africa. In: Puplampu, K.P., Hanson, K.T., Arthur, P. (eds) Sustainable Development, Digitalization, and the Green Economy in Africa Post-COVID-19. International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32164-1_6
  2. Yirenya-Tawiah D, Annang, T., Ofori, B. D., Fosu-Mensah, B.Y, Lawson, E.T., Yeboah, R., Owusu-Afriyie, K., Abudey, B.,Annan, T,  Datsa, C. and Gordon, C. (2020).  Urban Waste as a Resource for Development: Utilization of Organic Waste to Improve Agriculture Productivity in Accra, Ghana.  In Hiroshan et al (Ed), Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking: Practices, Policies, and Trends.  Springer, ISBN 978-3-030-36283-6, DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-36283-6, 123-145.
  3. Nukpezah, D., Ofori, B. D. and Adu-Manu, K.S (2019). Application of Industrial Ecology Principles to the Management of Industrial By-products in Ghana: A conceptual framing, In J. Marx Gomez et al. (Hrsg.), Smart Cities/Smart Regions-Technische, wirtschaftliche und gesellschaftliche Innovationen, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature. Pp. 563-572.
  4. Environmental Protection Agency (2017). Ghana State of the Environment Report. Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Accra. Member of Lead Authorship (authored the Population and Transport components)
  5. Ofori, B. D. and Ayivor, J. S. (2017). Institutional Capacity and Management of The Volta Lake Shores and The Lower Volta River Channel. In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising the Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp. 321-337.
  6. Nukpezah, D., Pabi, O., Ofori, B. D., Ayivor, J. S. and Gordon, C. (2017). A Review of Environmental and Livelihood Flows of Dam Re-Operation and Re-Optimisation.  In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising the Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp 137-151.
  7. Ayivor, J. S. and Ofori, B. D. (2017). Impacts of Hydrological Changes of The Volta River on Local Livelihoods: Lessons for Re-Operation and Re-Optimization of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams. In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising The Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp 63-89.
  8. Padgham J.,  Abubakari, A., Ayivor, J., Dietrich, K., Gordon, C., Ofori, B. D., Fosu-Mensah, B., Habtezion, S., Lawson, E., Mensah, A., Sidibe., Sissoko, M., Totin, E., Traoré, S.  (2015). Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Areas in West Africa Regional Diagnostic Studies Report.  CARRIA, ASSAR., March 2015.
  9. Nukpezah,  D., Okine, H. A., Oteng-Ababio, M. Ofori, B. D.  (2014).   “Electronic waste risk assessment and management in Ghana”.  In  Gómez, J. M., Sonnenschein, M., Vogel, U., Winter, A., Rapp, B., Giesen, N., (Eds).  Proceedings of the 28th EnviroInfo 2014 Conference, Oldenburg Germany. Sept 10-12. Pp 205-212.
  10. Gordon, C., Nukpezah, D., Tweneboah-Lwason, E., Ofori, B. D., Yirenya-Tawiah, D., Pabi, O., Ayivor, J. S., Koranteng, S., Darko, D., Mensah, A. M. (2013).  West Africa – Water Resources Vulnerability Using a Multidimensional Approach: Case Study of the Volta Basin.  Climate Vulnerability. Volume 5., Elsevier Inc., Academic Press, 283–309. ISBN: 9780123847034.
  11. Ofori, B. D, Vordzogbe, V. V., Addo, S., Amoah, C. M. (2008).  “Overview of the Lagoon-Land Crab (Cardiosoma armatum) Industry in the Volta Delta”.  In Amoah C. M., Adiku, S. G. K., Owusu, E. O. (Eds).  “New Developments on Health, Agricultural Resources and Socio-economics in the Volta Basin”.  Volta Basin Research Project, Univ. of Ghana..  et. al.
  12. Addo, S., Vordzogbe, V. V., Ofori, B. D., Amoah, C. M. (2008).  Assessment of Culture Trials of the Lagoon-Land Crab, Cardiosoma armatum, (Herklots, 1851) in the Lower Volta Basin.  In Amoah C. M., Adiku, S. G. K., Owusu, E. O. (Eds).  “New Developments on Health, Agricultural Resources and Socio-economics in the Volta Basin”.  Volta Basin Research Project, Univ. of Ghana. 2008.  et. al.
  13. Blay E. T., Ofori, B. D., Heloo, J., Ofori J. B., Nartey, E. (2004). “Agrodiversity within and without Conserved Forest for Enhancing Rural Livelihoods”. In: Gyasi E. A., Kranja-Berisavljevic, G., Blay, E. T., Oduro, W. (Eds).  Managing Agrodiversity the Traditional Way: Lessons from West Africa in Sustainable use of Biodiversity and Related Natural Resources. United Nations University Press, Tokyo pp 203-216.
 
Journal Articles
  1. Awuni S., Adarkwah, F., Ofori, B. D., Purwestri, R. C., Bernal, D. C. H. and Hajek, M. (2023). Managing the challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Ghana. Heliyon. Volume 9, Issue 5, May 2023, e15491
  2. Adjibolosoo, S. V. K., Adongo, P. B., Tawiah-Yirenya, D., Ofori, B. D., Afranie, S. (2022).  Knowledge and Perception of Pupils on Health and Environmental Risk of Open Defaecation: A case Study in the First Cycle Schools in Eastern and Volta Regions of Ghana.  Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online) Vol.8, No.11, 2018 129.
  3. Ofori, B. D., Pabi, O., Nukpezah, D., Annan, J. and Wang H.C. (2021). Food System Flows and Distribution for the Accra Metropolis: Unfolding the Policy Dimensions. Legon Journal of the Humanities, Volume 32, Issue 2. 145 -169.
  4. Segnon A. C., Totin, E., Zougmoré, R. B., Lokossou, J. C., Thompson-Hall, M., Ofori, B. D., Achigan-Dako, E.G.,  and Gordon, C. (2021). Differential household vulnerability to climatic and non-climatic stressors in semi-arid areas of Mali, West Africa. Climate and Development 13(8):697-712.
  5. Baa-Poku, F., Ayivor, S. S., & Ofori, B. D. (2020). Changing Agricultural Practices and Indigenenous Food Crops in the Upper Afram Basin of Ghana. Ghana journal of Agricultural Science, 55(1), 65-74.
  6. O. Pabi, A. Adu-Asare, B. D. Ofori (2020). Linking Optical SPOT and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle data for a rapid biomass estimation in a Forest-savanna Transitional Zone of Ghana.  West African Journal of Applied Ecology. Vol. 28, Issue 1. Pp 1-12
  7. Adjibolosoo SV, Ofori BD, Adongo PB, Afranie S, Yirenya-Tawiah DR (2020) The influence of culture on open defaecation in some basic schools in selected districts in Ghana: A preliminary study. PLoS ONE 15(10): e0239491. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239491 
  8. Pabi, O., Ayivor, J. S. & Ofori, B. D. (2019). Climate change-induced adaptive strategies of the small-scale farming system in the Forest-Savanna Transitional Zone of Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology 27(2):88-105
  9. S. Adjibolosoo, S., Adongo, P. B. Yirenya-Tawiah, D., Ofori, B. D. and Afranie, S. (2018). Behavioural Factors That Influence Open Defaecation among Pre-secondary School Pupils in the Eastern and Volta Regions of Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology (WAJAE)- Vol 26 (SI), 2018: 203 – 227.
  10. Ayivor, J. S., Ofori, B. D., Pabi, O., and Gordon, C (2017). Understanding the smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in the forest-savanna transition zone of Ghana. Science & Development. A journal of the College of Basic and Applied Science (CBAS), University of Ghana. Vol. 1, No. 1. Pp 14-26.
  11. Ofori, B. D. and Ayivor, J. S. (2017). Institutional Capacity and Management of The Volta Lake Shores and The Lower Volta River Channel. In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising the Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp. 321-337.
  12. Nukpezah, D., Pabi, O., Ofori, B. D., Ayivor, J. S. and Gordon, C. (2017). A Review of Environmental and Livelihood Flows of Dam Re-Operation and Re-Optimisation.  In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising the Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp 137-151.
  13. Ayivor, J. S. and Ofori, B. D. (2017). Impacts of Hydrological Changes of The Volta River on Local Livelihoods: Lessons for Re-Operation and Re-Optimization of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams. In Ntiamoah-Baidu, Y., Ampomah, B. Y., and Ofosu, E. A. (Eds). Dams, Development & Downstream Communities: Implications for Re-Optimising The Operations of The Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana. pp 63-89.  
  14. Ofori, B. D., Ayivor, J. S., Pabi, O. Yirenya-Taiwiah, D. R., and Gordon, C. (2015).  Agro-Diversity in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Ghana: A Strategy for Food Security against Climatic and Socio-Economic Stressors
  15. Ofori, B. D., Ayivor, J. S., Pabi, O. and Gordon, C. (2015).  Agroecological Niches as Ecosystem-Based Adaptive Option to Environmental Change in the Forest-Savanna Transition Zone of Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Development; Vol. 8, No. 9; 2015. ISSN 1913-9063 E-ISSN 1913-9071
  16. Nukpezah,  D., Okine, H. A., Oteng-Ababio, M. Ofori, B. D.  (2014).   “Electronic waste risk assessment and management in Ghana”.  In  Gómez, J. M., Sonnenschein, M., Vogel, U., Winter, A., Rapp, B., Giesen, N., (Eds).  Proceedings of the 28th EnviroInfo 2014 Conference, Oldenburg Germany. Sept 10-12. Pp 205-212.
  17. Ofori, B. D., Nukpezah, D., Ayivor, J. S., Lawson, E. T., and Gordon, C., (2014).  Leadership, local knowledge and water management: Lessons from fringe communities of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve, Ghana.  International Journal of Development and Sustainability. Volume 3 Number 2 (2014): Pp 353-370.
  18. Ofori, B. D and Asiedu, A. B. (2013).  Hierarchy of Market Centres along the Volta Lake in Ghana: A Regional Development Framework. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning. Vol 6(8), pp 280-293.
  19. Ofori, B. D. (2012).  Origin, Growth and Functions of Periodic Market Centres along the Volta Lake in Ghana". Ghana Social Science Journal. Vol 9, Number 1 pp. 44-70.)
  20. Ofori, B. D and Ayivor, J. S. (2013).  Housing: Crumbling structures.  Development and Cooperation (D+C) Volume 40, June 2013. N0. 6. Pp254-255
  21. Gordon, C., Nukpezah, D., Tweneboah-Lawson, E., Ofori, B. D., Yirenya-Tawiah, D., Pabi, O., Ayivor, J. S., Koranteng, S., Darko, D., Mensah, A. M. (2013).  West Africa – Water Resources Vulnerability Using a Multidimentional Approach: Case Study of the Volta Basin.  Climate Vulnerability. Volume 5., pp283-309.
  22. Ofori, B. D. (2012). “Effects of marketing and trading activities on the Volta Lake shore environment in Ghana”.  Environment Development and Sustainability” Volume 14, Number 5. pp783–806, 2012
  23. Ofori, B. D, Vordzogbe, V. V., Addo, S., Amoah, C. M. (2008).  “Overview of the Lagoon-Land Crab (Cardiosoma armatum) Industry in the Volta Delta”.  In Amoah C. M., Adiku, S. G. K., Owusu, E. O. (Eds).  “New Developments on Health, Agricultural Resources and Socio-economics in the Volta Basin”.  Volta Basin Research Project, Univ. of Ghana.
  24. Addo, S., Vordzogbe, V. V., Ofori, B. D., Amoah, C. M. (2008).  Assessment of Culture Trials of the Lagoon-Land Crab, Cardiosoma armatum, (Herklots, 1851) in the Lower Volta Basin.  In Amoah C. M., Adiku, S. G. K., Owusu, E. O. (Eds).  “New Developments on Health, Agricultural Resources and Socio-economics in the Volta Basin”.  Volta Basin Research Project, Univ. of Ghana. 2008. 
  25. Blay E. T., Ofori, B. D., Heloo, J., Ofori J. B., Nartey, E. (2004). “Agrodiversity within and without Conserved Forest for Enhancing Rural Livelihoods”. In: Gyasi E. A., Kranja-Berisavljevic, G., Blay, E. T., Oduro, W. (Eds).  Managing Agrodiversity the Traditional Way: Lessons from West Africa in Sustainable use of Biodiversity and Related Natural Resources. United Nations University Press, Tokyo pp 203-216.
  26. 17.Ofori, B. D. and  Birhanu T (2001). “Locational Pattern of Filling Stations in the Accra Metropolitan Area”. Bulletin of the Ghana Geographical Association., No. 23  pp 37-50
  27. Ofori, B. D. (2000) “Exploitation and Utilisation of Community-based Wetland Reeds and Sedges in the Changing Economy of the Lower Volta Basin”.  Bulletin of the Ghana Geographical Association., No. 22 pp 90-100.

Teaching in Last three Years

  • ESCI 706: Focus on Community
  • FACS 702: Emerging Environmental Issues (Co-Instructor)
  • FACS 701:Science and Society(Co-Instructor)
  • ESCI 603: Human Population and Urbanization (Co-Instructor)
  • CCSD 603:Climate Change Vulnerability Impacts And Adaptation (Co-Instructor)

Announcements

  • Seminar on “Pollution Issues Associated with Oil and Gas Development and Operations” - March 11, 2023
  • ORIENTATION OF STUDENTS FOR THE 2023 ACADEMIC YEAR - January 17, 2023
  • ENCLIMAH CONFERENCE 2022: REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION DETAILS - October 7, 2022
  • CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS - August 24, 2022
  • Call for Applications: BWS Plus Collaborative Student Exchange Programme - December 17, 2021
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