The Gas and Oil Sector in Ghana: The Role of Civil Society and the Capacity Needs for Effective Environmental Governance

Abstract

The budding commercial exploitation of oil in Ghana has simultaneously raised expectations and concerns in this African nation, widely considered by donors as a “model country,” given its successes in democratic governance and good economic performance despite its internal regional disparities and widespread poverty. Ghana’s oil has also contributed to the large and growing literature on the multiple challenges of the oil industry in Africa’s development efforts. These are indication of the extent of attention that Ghana’s oil has been able to attract, both within the country and internationally. However, there is also the widespread fear among many analysts that Ghana’s oil manna could turn into a nightmare and paralyze all of Ghana’s developmental efforts, particularly those related to its macroeconomic and political stability, potentially threatening internal peace and social cohesion, and stifling the expected economic and social benefits expected from this crucial commodity. Certainly, the lessons learned from other African countries’ experiences in the oil sector, the increased international attention, the media’s effort in creating awareness and sharing information about this resource, and the roles of civil society and international and local non-state actors have already made a significant difference in Ghana’s experience.