Sustainable Natural Resource Governance in Ghana: An Appraisal of Legal Provisions on Public Participation and Accountability

Abstract

To ensure equitable distribution of natural resources and sustainable development, international best practices, as expressed in the Aarhus Convention and the Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, require that citizens actively participate in the decision-making and governments should account to their citizens. This article examines the regulatory framework for natural resources in Ghana to ascertain the extent of public participation and accountability promoted through the legal provisions. The evaluation of the legal provisions for water, fisheries, forestry, energy and mining resources conclude that the legal framework in Ghana amply provides the structure for accountability and some level of public participation. However, the enforcement of the accountability and public participation stipulations are not well entrenched in the legislation. Relevant amendments to affected law will empower the enforcement institutions to promote a comprehensive implementation of public participation and accountability in the natural resources sector.