The special attraction of this book lies in combining descriptive analyses, empirical studies and practical policy recommendations. Thought provoking and instructive in every respect, the content is presented in a captivating and easily digestible style, covering a range of carefully selected subjects that an emerging oil producing country cannot afford to ignore if it is to manage its petroleum resources effectively. As chair of the Technical Committee tasked to draft Ghanas petroleum policy following the discovery of oil in commercial quantities, Professor Appiah-Adu draws on his first hand experience in understudying both resource- blessed¯ and cursed¯ countries as well as his network of experts in the field of oil and gas to develop this classic set of contributions. A splendid achievement by all standards and a must read for all with an interest governance and development. His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, President, Republic of Ghana, 2001-2009 This superbly produced book sets extremely high standards in all respects. It is easy and enjoyable to read, comprehensive in its scope and thorough in its treatment of all subjects covered. This book is transnational with examples and illustrations integrated in a consistent whole, as well as multiple links between the subject areas discussed. I strongly recommend it to all who need to be conversant with the underpinnings of effective petroleum management in a developing economy. E. H. Amonoo-Neizer, Chairman, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana This book is a bold attempt to canvass a range of governance issues relating to the petroleum sector and has done the nearly impossible by assembling a number of experienced and outstanding scholars from different perspectives to address comprehensive, coherent, thought-provoking and practically relevant subjects whose contemporary relevance transc
