A bibliometric and systematic review of trends, gaps, and future directions in environmental sustainability research in Ghana

Environmental sustainability remains central to achieving equitable and resilient development, particularly in resource-dependent nations like Ghana. This study analyzes and synthesizes existing research on environmental sustainability in Ghana, focusing on publication trends, influential authors and journals, thematic structures, and intellectual evolution. The study employed the Scientific Procedure and Rationale for Systematic Literature Review (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol, used 415 studies for bibliometric analysis, and 53 studies for systematic review guided by the Theory, Context, and Methods (TCM) framework. Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software applications used for the bibliometric analysis revealed a substantial increase in research output, possibly due to the pursuit of the global Sustainable Development Goals. Leading influential authors and journals reflected multidisciplinarity and a diverse ecosystem of journals providing avenues for scientific publications on the subject. Thematically, the literature has evolved from a primary focus on sustainability, conservation and climate change to incorporate emerging areas such as environmental sustainability, clean energy, transition, and circular economy. Conceptual mapping reveals four dominant thematic clusters: socio-ecological governance and land-based livelihoods, environmental sustainability governance and circular economy, climate-energy-development nexus, and sustainability transitions. Despite growing scholarly interest, theoretical engagement and methodological diversity remain limited, with underexplored areas including adaptation, environmental justice, and policy impact assessment. The study identifies critical gaps and offers a forward-looking research agenda to guide scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in addressing Ghana’s complex sustainability challenges. This review contributes a structured synthesis of the field and highlights opportunities for deepening interdisciplinary, inclusive, and policy-relevant research on environmental sustainability in Ghana.