Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), defined as grain produced per unit of fertilizer nitrogen (N) applied, is a highly desirable agronomic character of non-leguminous crop varieties. This study was conducted to compare the NUEs of one local maize (Zea mays L.) variety and three improved composites released in Ghana since 1972, and determine the effects of breeding for improved agronomic performance on the NUEs of the improved cultivars. The four late-maturing maize cultivars (local, Composite 4,Dobidi, and Okomasa) were evaluated at 0, 80, and 160 kg N ha-1 and under three plant densities at Nyankpala and Damongo in 1992 and 1993. Across environment analysis for grain yield showed environment, plant density, nitrogen, and cultivar effects were significant (P