An evaluation of governmental policies used in the management of natural resources: A focus on Botswana and Nigeria and lessons for Ghana
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2012-05
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Abstract
Abstract
This paper examines the theory of the resource curse in relation to Botswana
and Nigeria, two countries in Africa abundant in natural resources. After
reviewing existing literature relevant to the topic, this paper considers
policies and regulations used in the management of natural resources from
both countries in an attempt to find out how Botswana has managed to be
identified as a country enjoying unmatched growth rates in Africa while
Nigeria is barely taking advantage of the resources available to it. This
analysis will serve as a reference point to the Ghanaian government on steps
to take to avoid the resource curse in its enthusiasm to benefit from the
Jubilee oil fields. With regards to Ghana, this paper reviews the Petroleum
Revenue Management Act and its provisions for the collection and
distribution of petroleum revenue in the country. The paper focuses on anti
corruption measures used in both countries to ensure the fair and equitable
distribution of rent. The paper comes to the conclusion that transparency
plays a key role in the growth and development of a country especially when
it comes to resource revenue. It must therefore be noted that institutions
play an important role in the management of resource revenue, and even
though it is important to learn from other successful countries, policies used
to combat corruption must be modified to suit the economic, political, social
and legal environment of the particular country.
Keywords: natural resources, resource curse, institutions, corruption
Description
Thesis submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University College, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, May 2012
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Keywords
Ghana, natural resources, resource curse, Nigeria, Botswana