From green to grey: the dynamics of land use/land cover change in urban Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the struggle for existence of contrasting spaces within an urban milieu drawing on experiences from Ghana. By analysing remotely sensed images and review of relevant literature, the dynamics of change in the urban green–grey landscape were examined. While the grey (impermeable) space has increased from 23.3% to 77.6% between 1986 and 2016, green (permeable) space has declined from 76.7% to 24.4% within the same period. Rapidly growing and sprawling city, operating within a weak institutional framework, underlies the changes in land use/land cover in the Metropolis. This trend poses potential socio-environmental threat to the immediate city environment and even beyond. We recommend prioritising greening of the city by Kumasi Metropolitan Authority with the involvement and support of all stakeholders. This demands public education and effective functioning of institutions through adequate resourcing, collaboration and coordination within the broad framework of the new Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925).