Doing More With Less

Ghana ranks 86 in the green index, near the top among African nations.

West Africa is one of the least green regions in the world, but the nation of Ghana has distinguished itself among its neighbors, achieving a rank of 86 on Yale and Columbia's Environmental Performance Index. In sub-Saharan Africa, only Gabon and the island nation of Mauritius rank higher, and Ghana is bigger and poorer than each of them.

Many factors contribute to Ghana's success. Situated on the Gulf of Guinea, the country is endowed with ample rainfall, which enables its agrarian economy to enjoy nearly twice the per capita output of its West African neighbors. Just as important, Ghana has been relatively peaceful and stable since its independence in 1957 and has avoided much of the corruption that plagues Africa. As a result, its institutions have been attentive to regulating development. The country now requires environmental-impact reviews for all development projects. Its Environmental Protection Agency, opened in 1974, coordinates enforcement with the Forestry Research Institute. The Akosombo Dam provides 80 percent of the country's electricity. A recent oil find, however, will give visitors to the United Nations climate-change talks, to be held in Ghana in August, plenty to talk about.

© 2008