Preventing the Oil Curse Situation in Ghana: The Role of Civil Society Organisations

Abstract

Since Ghana started commercial production of oil in 2011, the overarching concern has been how to avoid a resource curse. This article examines the role civil society organisations (CSOs) have played in preventing Ghana from falling into the oil curse situation. It notes specific civil society initiatives that aim to promote transparency and accountability in oil governance. The Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas has facilitated the creation of legislative frameworks, checks and monitoring systems to keep government and oil companies on their toes even though weak capacity, politicisation and lack of access to information remain a challenge to CSOs’ effective mobilisation. They need to pursue collaborative rather than adversarial relationships with the government, promote participatory learning in their internal management and instigate the government to promote macroeconomic stability, wealth creation, infrastructure development and employment for the youth with oil revenues.