Understanding Urban Sprawl In The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area: The Gis Perspective

ABSTRACT There has been significant spatial expansion of urban areas in recent times, especially in developing countries. This process has posed a number of challenges for city managers as they seem to be unprepared to manage the urban process. In particular, there continue to be rapid development of fringe areas in urban centers, normally characterized by low density residential development, a process called urban sprawl. Accra, Ghana’s capital city continues to witness significant growth, both demographically and spatially. This situation is leading to rapid urban sprawl in peri-urban areas. To enhance understanding on this process and add to existing knowledge about the problem, this study examines the extent of urban sprawl of Accra, the factors accounting for this sprawl and the challenges associated with it. The study was carried out using a mixed methods approach. The quantitative aspect of this method employed the use of remote sensing techniques, to analyze land-use and land-cover changes in Accra. Further on the quantitative approach, survey was conducted in three selected Municipalities which can be described as being within the peri-urban areas of Accra. Qualitative techniques using in-depth interviews were also used to gather further data for this study. The findings showed significant conversion of land surface from vegetative to unplanned built-up areas, thus a clear indication of the rapid sprawl of Accra. Among factors influencing driving urban sprawl include land affordability, search for work, pollution and environmental problems in inner cities and search for serene environment. Some challenges found include increasing living cost and problems with access to basic services. The study recommends the following; provision of and improvement in housing facilities in peri-urban areas, enhanced physical planning of peri-urban communities and speeding up land reforms for effective land management