A research conducted by the Kumasi Institute of Technology (KITE) in conjunction with other institutions indicates  that people have little knowledge on the provisions in Ghana's Petroleum Revenue Management Act. The study was on the topic  "Transparency And Accountability In Ghana's Petroleum Revenue Management: Evidence From A Field Experiment".

In an interview, Mr Ishmael Edjekumhene, Executive Director said that the research results showed how  lack of information has affected the assessment of projects funded by oil revenue. He said that the focus must be placed on projects that are being funded by revenue on oil and gas.
He noted that new mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that people are well informed about oil and gas revenue management.
Mr Edjekumhene said that the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) generated a lot of positive feedback as compared to the face to face meetings. He urged the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to employ ICT tools that will better inform people especially those at the grassroots level.

He emphasized the need for an interest in transparency in all sectors in Ghana, not just with oil management and revenue. He said that the research findings showed that duty bearers did not feel they are accountable to citizens on how revenue generated from oil is utilized .
Mr Edjekumhene recommended a modification on the format used by Ministry of Finance to report on ABFA projects with details  on exact location of projects and more.

Giving a presentation on results from the field experiment, Dr Christa Brunnschweiler said that issues such as transparency in revenue management are relevant especially for  donors and policy makers because it is seen as a solution to problems such as corruption, effective governance and more. She noted  that transparency will result in development. Ghana has earned more than USD 4 billion from petroleum resources since oil and gas  exploration began in 2010 hence the need to ensure accountability in the sector.

Dr Brunnschweiler said that the main focus of the research looked at whether information disseminated by the PIAC to citizens increased their knowledge of petroleum issues as well as what  citizens demand from transparency and accountability in management of petroleum funds.

The research measured outcomes on knowledge levels, attitudes and behaviors in citizens and district assemblies  in about 120 districts.
Dr Brunnschweiler  said it came to light that poor information levels on petroleum and oil dissemination was realized in about 31.4 per cent  of respondents while only 1.3 per cent claimed to have good knowledge on the issues.

Many of the citizens interviewed indicated that they felt they should determine how revenue decisions should be decided however it was realized that politicians determine it.

The use of ICT according to her impacted on the knowledge people have as well as their willingness to demand transparency and encouraged the use of ICT to scale up and widen their activities.

Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Dr. Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah said that transparency must be backed by controls in the various aspects of government to ensure that those who are to be held accountable do  exactly what they need to especially with the dissemination of revenue.

"We can make the laws and all these acts but if there are no controls, nothing will be done. I can tell you for a fact, transparency will not be the only remedy to the situation" he added.

The research was conducted by KITE in partnership with a number of institutions such as International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, the Research Council of Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of East Anglia, CDD-Ghana, Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth (GOGIG).