Quality of Environmental Impact Statements in Ghana

Abstract

Studies are normally undertaken to evaluate quality of EIS because it gives an indication of the usefulness of the EIA process. However, such study is lacking in Ghana. 30 sampled EISs were reviewed in this paper using Lee and Colley review package. About 93% of EISs were rated satisfactory. Out of this, 50% were rated “good” whilst the remaining 50 were rated “borderline”. None of them was rated “A”. Many factors accounted for the satisfactory rating. These are availability of guidance and guidelines from EPA and use of consultants in preparation of the statements.

However there were many significant omissions within review categories and sub-categories. These included determination of magnitude of impacts, estimating quantities of waste materials and methods employed, estimating quantities of raw materials, consideration of alternative sites for projects and avoidance of bias in EISs. Although their effects on overall assessments were masked by higher ratings in other categories and sub-categories, improvements are required to rectify these omissions.

Keywords: proponent, review area, categories, environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental impact statement (EIS), environmental protection agency (EPA).