ID: 2179
Presenting Author: Judith Osei-Kumi
Session: 758 - Reframing Impact Assessment Narratives in Africa: Combating Misinformation, Power Asymmetries, and Distrust in Development
Status: pending
This paper examines Ghana’s EIA framework assessing legal shifts institutional implications and how misinformation and transparency challenges affect public trust in environmental governance
This paper critically examines Ghana’s evolving legal framework for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), comparing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act (Act 490 of 1994) and its Legislative Instrument (LI 1652 of 1999) with the newly enacted Environmental Protection Act (Act 1124 of 2025) and revised LI 2504 of 2025 . It investigates whether the new framework adequately addresses long-standing challenges of misinformation, institutional distrust, and poor communication that have historically undermined the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of impact assessment processes.
The paper identifies whether there are specific tools and strategies embedded in the revised framework that are designed to promote inclusive dialogue, ensure traceable information flow, and strengthen institutional responsiveness.
To bridge any gaps, the paper proposes complementary practices to supplement the implementation of the new Act and LI including innovations that could enhance public trust, deepen understanding, and make EIA processes in Ghana more transparent, inclusive, and resilient against misinformation.
Judith Osei-Kumi Environmental Officer at the Environmental Protection Authority in Ghana with 6years experience in environmental assessment expertise in extended producer responsibility