Strengthening Environmental Governance in Ghana’s Oil and Gas Sector. A Critical Appraisal of Legal and Institutional Frameworks

The oil and gas sector, often heralded as a vital contributor to the economies of many developing nations especially in Africa, paradoxically produces significant environmental pollutants and waste. This sector, while inherently prone to releasing pollutants, can significantly mitigate the extent of such pollution through strict regulatory mechanisms. In Ghana, despite the existence of regulations and legislative measures aimed at mitigating environmental challenges in the oil and gas sector, several studies have upheld the view that there is continuous disregard for the existing regulations, manifested in the pollution of water bodies and the degradation of lands indiscriminately. This study systematically reviewed existing literature as well as collecting empirical data to identify the gaps and weaknesses in the legal and institutional framework for environmental protection in Ghana’s oil and gas sector. The PRISMA Checklist served as a framework for the study. A Likert scale index and thematic analysis were conducted to aid in the presentation of results. The review reveals several prominent themes, including ineffective enforcement and compliance, limited stakeholder engagement, the absence of industry-specific environmental guidelines and resource constraints for environmental agencies or institutions to effectively carry out their mandate. The review underscores the notion that there are gaps in the legal and institutional framework for protecting the environment in the oil and gas sector. The identified gaps collectively emphasize the dire need for significant enhancements in the nation’s regulatory and institutional apparatus dedicated to environmental protection within the oil and gas sector. This multi-faceted array of weaknesses highlights not only the urgency of reform but also the interconnectedness of these issues, reinforcing the imperative for a holistic and integrated approach to addressing them.