Ghana’s Oil Discovery and Natural Resource Curse Nexus

Abstract

This paper draws on the concept of the natural resource curse theory, the Dutch disease, to critically review the impact of Ghana’s oil discovery on the performance of the agricultural sector through a desk review. We also combed on the various directories for articles in academic journals, bulletins, governmental and non-governmental reports and magazines for any salient data on the topic. Drawing on the experiences of other countries on Dutch disease, we argue that the dwindling performance of the agricultural sector after the discovery of oil and gas is a reflection of Dutch disease. We recommend that the government take proactive measures to ensure balance and engineer growth in the agricultural sector which is the mainstay of the majority of the citizenry. Measures such as youth in agricultural programmes, planting for food and jobs, subsidies, and recognition to successful farmers should be encouraged to ensure that the productive base of the sector is working to propel GDP growth.