The international obligations to prevent pollution from exploitation and exploration of hydrocarbon on Ghanaian continental shelf. Ghana’s obligations under international and national laws to protect the marine environment.

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to find out to what extent is Ghana complying with the obligations required under the International Environmental Law to protect the marine environment from pollution emanating from hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities. The thesis outlined various international treaties and conventions, and explained their relevancy towards pollution from hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities. The Ghanaian National Laws were tested to see how they have incorporated the International Environmental Laws into the Ghanaian domestic laws. The thesis concluded that, although Ghana has incorporated these International Laws, there are still room for improvement. The final chapter of the thesis gave recommendations and advice to the Ghanaian authorities to improve on their efforts in order to achieve the required acceptable international standard.