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Morphological Patterns and Drivers of Urban Growth on Africa’s Wetland Landscapes: Insights from the Densu Delta Ramsar Site, Ghana

Author

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  • Charles Yaw Oduro

    (Department of Planning, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana)

  • Prince Aboagye Anokye

    (Department of Planning, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana)

  • Michael Ayertey Nanor

    (Department of Planning, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana)

Abstract

The morphological aspects of urban growth on wetlands in Africa are under-researched. Using the Densu Delta Ramsar site in Accra, Ghana, as a case study, this paper analyses the morphological patterns and drivers of urban growth and its impact on wetlands. Data were obtained through remote-sensing, ground truthing, and limited key informant interviews. The analysis combined land use/land cover, building coverage and spatial autoregressive and ordinary least square regression techniques with the aid of ArcGIS version 10.8.2, QGIS version 3.34 and STATA version 17 software. The findings reveal that urban growth at the Ramsar site follows discernible spatial patterns consistent with the spreading pancake, village magnet, and ribbon development models. However, the primary force behind these patterns is growing demand for land to meet housing needs, aided by the failure of state institutions to perform their land use control and wetland protection functions. To achieve sustainable urban development, there is an urgent need to ensure effective wetland management by enforcing existing land use, development control, and wetland protection measures. This calls for the strengthening, resourcing, and closer collaboration of the relationships between the various state agencies responsible for urban planning and wetland management. There is also the need to engage and sensitise political leaders to increase their commitment to implementing wetland protection and pro-environmental policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Yaw Oduro & Prince Aboagye Anokye & Michael Ayertey Nanor, 2024. "Morphological Patterns and Drivers of Urban Growth on Africa’s Wetland Landscapes: Insights from the Densu Delta Ramsar Site, Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6372-:d:1442788
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles Oduro & Kafui Ocloo & Charles Peprah, 2014. "Analyzing Growth Patterns of Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area Using GIS and Multiple Regression Techniques," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 7(5), pages 1-13, September.
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