Michael Addaney | University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani (original) (raw)
Papers by Michael Addaney
Governance, Human Rights, and Political Transformation in Africa, 2019
Africa in the twenty-first century is what may be termed a “mixed bag”. While the continent conti... more Africa in the twenty-first century is what may be termed a “mixed bag”. While the continent continues to face many challenges, including underdevelopment, lack of accountability and good governance, as well as access to basic amenities and security challenges, much progress has also been made in the last two decades which means that the continent is a very different place from what it was at the beginning of the century. This chapter provides a particular selection of issues with which scholars from across Africa are grappling as we approach the third decade of the twenty-first century. It sets the historical foundation for the rest of the chapters covering the continent as a whole, as well as perspectives from West, East and Southern Africa.
Environmental Science & Policy, 2022
The Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Africa, 2019
Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and played a critical role... more Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and played a critical role in the political transformation and regional integration in Africa. Over the years, Ghana has transformed from a one-party state through military rule to a multiparty democracy. Since independence, despite internal challenges, Ghana continues to play a critical transformational role on the African continent. This influence has been reinvigorated since the emergence of the concept of the African Renaissance and adoption of the ‘African solutions for African problems’ mantra in the early 2000s.
Sustainable Urban Futures in Africa, 2021
Sustainable Urban Futures in Africa, 2021
The Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Africa, 2019
Climate change presents urban areas in Africa with significant challenges relating to adaptation ... more Climate change presents urban areas in Africa with significant challenges relating to adaptation to dynamic climate risks and protection of critical infrastructure systems and residents’ livelihoods. This chapter argues for the need to adopt multidisciplinary approaches, perspectives and theoretical frameworks that espouse the transformation of climate change adaptation options and sustainable urban environmental management practices in Africa. It also brings together key findings from the various chapters of the book underscoring the geographical variations, future challenges and opportunities for urban planning and climate change adaptation in Africa. It emphasises lessons learned from specific case studies can be useful to identify best practices which can be applied more widely and poor practices which need to be re-examined. Future research needs are also highlighted.
Amsterdam Law Forum, 2017
People in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change be... more People in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change because of a variety of factors, including poverty and the intensity of the effects of climate change on people whose livelihoods still largely depend on the land. The outcome is gross violations of human rights among the people of Africa. This study examines the link between climate change and human rights from an African perspective. It explores the international framework protecting the human rights of people severely affected by climate change in order to determine to what extent it adequately protects these rights. Drawing on examples from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and countries involved in armed conflict, the authors argue that African governments have responsibilities to protect fundamental human rights in the context of climate change. Recommendations are offered on how human rights can be more effectively protected in the era of climate change.
Australian Journal of Human Rights, 2018
The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment whi... more The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment which is negatively affecting its sustainability. A rapidly urbanising Africa is vigorously degrading the environmental resources especially those in urban areas. There is also a growing fear that African governments may become locked into 'a grow dirty now, clean up later' development path that may be irreparable, expensive, and wasteful as well as reduce the welfare of especially vulnerable groups. This trajectory has negative connotation on environmental rights and specially the human rights of vulnerable individuals and communities to health, food, water and housing. However, the protection of these environmental assets can upsurge the efficiency and livability of the rapidly urbanising communities, increase tourism opportunities as well as augment resilience to the impacts of global climatic variations. Adopting a doctrinal methodology and the human rights-based approach, this article explores the intersection between human rights and environmental protection in the context of rapid urbanisation on the African continent. This paper further examines whether and to what extent a regional human rights approach to environmental protection can protect environmental assets in the context of urbanization at the national level in Africa. It relies on primary sources and secondary information. The article discusses the nexus between human rights and environment protection in the African context and addresses key issue of human rights and environmental conservation in the context of urbanisation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Law, 2019
Scarce environmental and natural resources, such as minerals and water, are traditional origins o... more Scarce environmental and natural resources, such as minerals and water, are traditional origins of armed conflicts in Africa. There are persuasive and wide-ranging claims to the effect that environmental degradation will intensify resource scarcity and consequently contribute to an increase in armed conflict. Existing studies show that most governments in Africa overexploit valuable natural resources such as diamonds, oil and timber to finance war, without regard to environmental protection. Environmental protection during armed conflict has therefore gradually gained significant attention at international, national and regional levels. This article explores how regional laws could fill gaps in the international legal frameworks for the protection of the environment and natural resources in the context of armed conflicts in Africa. It considers the extent to which the enforceable content of regional and international norms apply to environmental damage in times of armed conflict and...
Environmental Development, 2017
Conventional wisdom views municipal solid waste management (MSWM) as the responsibility of govern... more Conventional wisdom views municipal solid waste management (MSWM) as the responsibility of government or city authorities in Ghana and many African countries with urbanites (i.e. urban residents) always calling on government to deliver them from the problem. Overwhelmed with the scale of the problem, city authorities frequently seek public-private partnerships with firms (both local and international) to address the problem. While city authorities' efforts maybe praiseworthy, the problem seems intractable. Using a case study from Berekum municipality in Ghana, this paper demonstrates how a lack of attention to the role of urbanites in MSWM has contributed to poor state of solid waste management (SWM). It presents a situational analysis of MSWM, and perceptions and roles of urbanites in the MSWM. Using agency interviews and household surveys, findings indicate that the state of MSWM reflects the indescribable condition of filth across many African countries. Although household respondents expressed willingness to actively participate in MSWM (e.g., provision of logistics, supervision of SWM activities etc.), they are not involved by the government agencies who consider MSWM as government's responsibility. Unfortunately, the political economy of awarding SWM contracts to political party supporters and financiers have contributed to poor SWM. As a consequence, some households are gradually becoming apathetic to MSWM issues due to their non-involvement. Policy recommendations to improve MSWM are proffered.
Competition over environmental and natural resources characteristically lies at the heart of arme... more Competition over environmental and natural resources characteristically lies at the heart of armed conflicts in Africa. It is also common knowledge that some companies dealing in products such as laptops, smart phones and jewellery; import minerals from conflict-affected areas, thereby indirectly fuelling conflicts in these areas or undermining human rights. For a continent endowed with natural resources including minerals, Africa has suffered the brunt of this predicament. This state of affairs has lent impetus to the adoption of several regulations geared towards curbing irresponsible business practices by companies relying on such minerals, the goal being, amongst others, to guarantee the protection of human rights. In May 2017, the European Union adopted Regulations intended to stop the importation of conflict minerals in Europe, debatably making giant strides in the direction of protection of human rights. These Regulations are to come into force in 2021. However, can these reg...
he Conference Proceedings are the product of the 2018 Adaptation Futures conference that was held... more he Conference Proceedings are the product of the 2018 Adaptation Futures conference that was held in Cape Town from 18 – 21 June, co-hosted by UCT’s African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and UN Environment’s World Adaptation Science Programme (PROVIA). Adaptation Futures is the world’s premier international adaptation conference series and is held every two years. 2018 was the first time that this conference was held in Africa, and consequently, it aimed to focus on African and developing world linkages with adaptation. The extended abstracts were submitted after the conference to allow the authors to absorb the conference insights into their work.
Climate Change Management
Chinese Journal of Environmental Law
Asian Development Policy Review, 2016
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises play a significant role in the global economy and hence, consi... more Small and Medium Scale Enterprises play a significant role in the global economy and hence, considered as the backbone of the private sector. SMEs play a vital role in economic, social and cultural development. Studies indicate that microfinance services and products over time have positive effects on SMEs. Conversely, other scholars have highlighted that microfinance has impacted negatively on SMEs, especially, those owned or operated by women. Thus, the study sought to establish the effects of microfinance on SMEs. The study adopted a case study approach. It examined the effects of microfinance services and products provided by Multi Credit Savings and Loans Limited on the performance of SMEs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana and also examined the problems encountered by both in dealing with each other. In all, questionnaires were administered to 152 customers of MCSL who were owners of SMEs. The study found that the main challenges faced by SMEs include short duration of loans repayment, high interest rates and request for collateral among others. Also, the study established that the effect of microfinance institutions on SMEs was positive. Revenue, profit and assets base of SMEs increased over time when they patronised the services of microfinance institutions. The study, therefore, recommended that microfinance institutions should make their products more SME friendly, institute more business advisory services, and ensure the proper application of loans contracted from them through effective monitoring systems. SMEs on the other hand, are to diligently keep record books for self-assessment and hire competent staff to improve their management capacities.
Education Law, Strategic Policy and Sustainable Development in Africa
Australian Journal of Human Rights
The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment whi... more The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment which is negatively affecting its sustainability. A rapidly urbanising Africa is vigorously degrading the environmental resources especially those in urban areas. There is also a growing fear that African governments may become locked into 'a grow dirty now, clean up later' development path that may be irreparable, expensive, and wasteful as well as reduce the welfare of especially vulnerable groups. This trajectory has negative connotation on environmental rights and specially the human rights of vulnerable individuals and communities to health, food, water and housing. However, the protection of these environmental assets can upsurge the efficiency and livability of the rapidly urbanising communities, increase tourism opportunities as well as augment resilience to the impacts of global climatic variations. Adopting a doctrinal methodology and the human rights-based approach, this article explores the intersection between human rights and environmental protection in the context of rapid urbanisation on the African continent. This paper further examines whether and to what extent a regional human rights approach to environmental protection can protect environmental assets in the context of urbanization at the national level in Africa. It relies on primary sources and secondary information. The article discusses the nexus between human rights and environment protection in the African context and addresses key issue of human rights and environmental conservation in the context of urbanisation.
Governance, Human Rights, and Political Transformation in Africa, 2019
Africa in the twenty-first century is what may be termed a “mixed bag”. While the continent conti... more Africa in the twenty-first century is what may be termed a “mixed bag”. While the continent continues to face many challenges, including underdevelopment, lack of accountability and good governance, as well as access to basic amenities and security challenges, much progress has also been made in the last two decades which means that the continent is a very different place from what it was at the beginning of the century. This chapter provides a particular selection of issues with which scholars from across Africa are grappling as we approach the third decade of the twenty-first century. It sets the historical foundation for the rest of the chapters covering the continent as a whole, as well as perspectives from West, East and Southern Africa.
Environmental Science & Policy, 2022
The Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Africa, 2019
Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and played a critical role... more Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and played a critical role in the political transformation and regional integration in Africa. Over the years, Ghana has transformed from a one-party state through military rule to a multiparty democracy. Since independence, despite internal challenges, Ghana continues to play a critical transformational role on the African continent. This influence has been reinvigorated since the emergence of the concept of the African Renaissance and adoption of the ‘African solutions for African problems’ mantra in the early 2000s.
Sustainable Urban Futures in Africa, 2021
Sustainable Urban Futures in Africa, 2021
The Geography of Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Africa, 2019
Climate change presents urban areas in Africa with significant challenges relating to adaptation ... more Climate change presents urban areas in Africa with significant challenges relating to adaptation to dynamic climate risks and protection of critical infrastructure systems and residents’ livelihoods. This chapter argues for the need to adopt multidisciplinary approaches, perspectives and theoretical frameworks that espouse the transformation of climate change adaptation options and sustainable urban environmental management practices in Africa. It also brings together key findings from the various chapters of the book underscoring the geographical variations, future challenges and opportunities for urban planning and climate change adaptation in Africa. It emphasises lessons learned from specific case studies can be useful to identify best practices which can be applied more widely and poor practices which need to be re-examined. Future research needs are also highlighted.
Amsterdam Law Forum, 2017
People in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change be... more People in Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change because of a variety of factors, including poverty and the intensity of the effects of climate change on people whose livelihoods still largely depend on the land. The outcome is gross violations of human rights among the people of Africa. This study examines the link between climate change and human rights from an African perspective. It explores the international framework protecting the human rights of people severely affected by climate change in order to determine to what extent it adequately protects these rights. Drawing on examples from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and countries involved in armed conflict, the authors argue that African governments have responsibilities to protect fundamental human rights in the context of climate change. Recommendations are offered on how human rights can be more effectively protected in the era of climate change.
Australian Journal of Human Rights, 2018
The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment whi... more The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment which is negatively affecting its sustainability. A rapidly urbanising Africa is vigorously degrading the environmental resources especially those in urban areas. There is also a growing fear that African governments may become locked into 'a grow dirty now, clean up later' development path that may be irreparable, expensive, and wasteful as well as reduce the welfare of especially vulnerable groups. This trajectory has negative connotation on environmental rights and specially the human rights of vulnerable individuals and communities to health, food, water and housing. However, the protection of these environmental assets can upsurge the efficiency and livability of the rapidly urbanising communities, increase tourism opportunities as well as augment resilience to the impacts of global climatic variations. Adopting a doctrinal methodology and the human rights-based approach, this article explores the intersection between human rights and environmental protection in the context of rapid urbanisation on the African continent. This paper further examines whether and to what extent a regional human rights approach to environmental protection can protect environmental assets in the context of urbanization at the national level in Africa. It relies on primary sources and secondary information. The article discusses the nexus between human rights and environment protection in the African context and addresses key issue of human rights and environmental conservation in the context of urbanisation.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Law, 2019
Scarce environmental and natural resources, such as minerals and water, are traditional origins o... more Scarce environmental and natural resources, such as minerals and water, are traditional origins of armed conflicts in Africa. There are persuasive and wide-ranging claims to the effect that environmental degradation will intensify resource scarcity and consequently contribute to an increase in armed conflict. Existing studies show that most governments in Africa overexploit valuable natural resources such as diamonds, oil and timber to finance war, without regard to environmental protection. Environmental protection during armed conflict has therefore gradually gained significant attention at international, national and regional levels. This article explores how regional laws could fill gaps in the international legal frameworks for the protection of the environment and natural resources in the context of armed conflicts in Africa. It considers the extent to which the enforceable content of regional and international norms apply to environmental damage in times of armed conflict and...
Environmental Development, 2017
Conventional wisdom views municipal solid waste management (MSWM) as the responsibility of govern... more Conventional wisdom views municipal solid waste management (MSWM) as the responsibility of government or city authorities in Ghana and many African countries with urbanites (i.e. urban residents) always calling on government to deliver them from the problem. Overwhelmed with the scale of the problem, city authorities frequently seek public-private partnerships with firms (both local and international) to address the problem. While city authorities' efforts maybe praiseworthy, the problem seems intractable. Using a case study from Berekum municipality in Ghana, this paper demonstrates how a lack of attention to the role of urbanites in MSWM has contributed to poor state of solid waste management (SWM). It presents a situational analysis of MSWM, and perceptions and roles of urbanites in the MSWM. Using agency interviews and household surveys, findings indicate that the state of MSWM reflects the indescribable condition of filth across many African countries. Although household respondents expressed willingness to actively participate in MSWM (e.g., provision of logistics, supervision of SWM activities etc.), they are not involved by the government agencies who consider MSWM as government's responsibility. Unfortunately, the political economy of awarding SWM contracts to political party supporters and financiers have contributed to poor SWM. As a consequence, some households are gradually becoming apathetic to MSWM issues due to their non-involvement. Policy recommendations to improve MSWM are proffered.
Competition over environmental and natural resources characteristically lies at the heart of arme... more Competition over environmental and natural resources characteristically lies at the heart of armed conflicts in Africa. It is also common knowledge that some companies dealing in products such as laptops, smart phones and jewellery; import minerals from conflict-affected areas, thereby indirectly fuelling conflicts in these areas or undermining human rights. For a continent endowed with natural resources including minerals, Africa has suffered the brunt of this predicament. This state of affairs has lent impetus to the adoption of several regulations geared towards curbing irresponsible business practices by companies relying on such minerals, the goal being, amongst others, to guarantee the protection of human rights. In May 2017, the European Union adopted Regulations intended to stop the importation of conflict minerals in Europe, debatably making giant strides in the direction of protection of human rights. These Regulations are to come into force in 2021. However, can these reg...
he Conference Proceedings are the product of the 2018 Adaptation Futures conference that was held... more he Conference Proceedings are the product of the 2018 Adaptation Futures conference that was held in Cape Town from 18 – 21 June, co-hosted by UCT’s African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and UN Environment’s World Adaptation Science Programme (PROVIA). Adaptation Futures is the world’s premier international adaptation conference series and is held every two years. 2018 was the first time that this conference was held in Africa, and consequently, it aimed to focus on African and developing world linkages with adaptation. The extended abstracts were submitted after the conference to allow the authors to absorb the conference insights into their work.
Climate Change Management
Chinese Journal of Environmental Law
Asian Development Policy Review, 2016
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises play a significant role in the global economy and hence, consi... more Small and Medium Scale Enterprises play a significant role in the global economy and hence, considered as the backbone of the private sector. SMEs play a vital role in economic, social and cultural development. Studies indicate that microfinance services and products over time have positive effects on SMEs. Conversely, other scholars have highlighted that microfinance has impacted negatively on SMEs, especially, those owned or operated by women. Thus, the study sought to establish the effects of microfinance on SMEs. The study adopted a case study approach. It examined the effects of microfinance services and products provided by Multi Credit Savings and Loans Limited on the performance of SMEs in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana and also examined the problems encountered by both in dealing with each other. In all, questionnaires were administered to 152 customers of MCSL who were owners of SMEs. The study found that the main challenges faced by SMEs include short duration of loans repayment, high interest rates and request for collateral among others. Also, the study established that the effect of microfinance institutions on SMEs was positive. Revenue, profit and assets base of SMEs increased over time when they patronised the services of microfinance institutions. The study, therefore, recommended that microfinance institutions should make their products more SME friendly, institute more business advisory services, and ensure the proper application of loans contracted from them through effective monitoring systems. SMEs on the other hand, are to diligently keep record books for self-assessment and hire competent staff to improve their management capacities.
Education Law, Strategic Policy and Sustainable Development in Africa
Australian Journal of Human Rights
The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment whi... more The rapid urbanisation is exerting increasing pressure on the continent's natural environment which is negatively affecting its sustainability. A rapidly urbanising Africa is vigorously degrading the environmental resources especially those in urban areas. There is also a growing fear that African governments may become locked into 'a grow dirty now, clean up later' development path that may be irreparable, expensive, and wasteful as well as reduce the welfare of especially vulnerable groups. This trajectory has negative connotation on environmental rights and specially the human rights of vulnerable individuals and communities to health, food, water and housing. However, the protection of these environmental assets can upsurge the efficiency and livability of the rapidly urbanising communities, increase tourism opportunities as well as augment resilience to the impacts of global climatic variations. Adopting a doctrinal methodology and the human rights-based approach, this article explores the intersection between human rights and environmental protection in the context of rapid urbanisation on the African continent. This paper further examines whether and to what extent a regional human rights approach to environmental protection can protect environmental assets in the context of urbanization at the national level in Africa. It relies on primary sources and secondary information. The article discusses the nexus between human rights and environment protection in the African context and addresses key issue of human rights and environmental conservation in the context of urbanisation.
African Human Rights Year Book, 2019
The predicament of climate refugees has gained international attention. However, there is no expl... more The predicament of climate refugees has gained international attention. However, there is no explicit legal protection for them under international law, including African regional law. Their legal protection is not clear. Some scholars and practitioners argue that the existing international framework on refugees does not cover climate refugees. At the African regional level, the 2009 African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa refers to climate-induced displacement but it does not govern migration beyond borders. This article examines international human rights and refugee law instruments, particularly the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, to identify the challenges and prospects in the legal recognition and protection of climate refugees in Africa. It finds that the gaps existing in the refugee protection regime for climate refugees is historical and continues up to the present. The article consequently argues that the best way to ensure protection for climate refugees in Africa is the operationalising by the AU of its solidarity and humanistic approach as a demonstration of its commitment to the ideals of Pan-African cooperation for addressing common continental problems. TITRE ET RÉSUMÉ EN FRANCAIS: La protection des « refugies du climat » dans le systeme africain des droits de l'homme: la proposition d'une approche fondee sur les valeurs RÉSUMÉ: La situation précaire des réfugiés climatiques a attiré l'attention de la communauté internationale. Cependant, le droit international, y compris le droit régional africain, ne les protègent pas. Leur protection légale n'est pas claire. Praticiens et doctrinaires sont d'avis que le cadre international existant sur les réfugiés ne couvre pas les réfugiés climatiques. Au niveau régional africain, la Convention de l'Union africaine de 2009 sur la protection et l'assistance aux personnes déplacées en Afrique fait référence au déplacement induit par le climat, mais ne régit pas la