Reviewing the performance of environmental policies in addressing environmental and socio-economic issues and associated implementation challenges: Ghana’s perspective

Abstract

Environmental challenges are becoming widespread and more prevalent in developing countries. However, environmental policy formulation and implementation have been a potent tool in preventing and managing these threats. The study employed a systematic review approach, utilizing 6 search engines and a mathematical method to select relevant studies. It assessed both post- and ex-ante conditions of key environmental policy implementation in Ghana, analysing peer-reviewed articles, government policy documents, and technical reports. This comprehensive approach examined policy formulation, implementation, and impacts, identifying barriers such as governance challenges, public participation, and socio-economic constraints to evaluate policy effectiveness. Environmental policies have played key roles in preventing land-related conflicts, alleviating food production and security, enhancing water resource provision, protection, and conservation, combating climate change and its associated impacts, protecting forest and wildlife resources, reducing bushfires, and improving sanitation. It was further identified that all the policies considered in the study had not addressed all their objectives. These shortcomings were primarily ascribed to institutional constraints, encompassing infrastructural inadequacies, deficits in personnel, financial resources, technological insufficiencies, and equipment limitations. The suboptimal communication and awareness dissemination of policies, coupled with subpar community involvement and adherence, also played pivotal roles. Political interventions and disruptions further compounded the situation, alongside deficiencies in the coordination among regulatory bodies. These multifaceted challenges have consistently impeded the productive implementation of environmental policies in Ghana. By tackling them, Ghana can harness the full potential of its environmental policies, safeguard its natural resources, and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.