Quantifying the spatio-temporal patterns of settlement growth in a metropolitan region of Ghana

Abstract

Retrospective understanding of the magnitude and pace of urban expansion is necessary for effective growth management in metropolitan regions. The objective of this paper is to quantify the spatialtemporal patterns of urban expansion in the Greater Kumasi Sub-Region (GKSR)-a functional region comprising eight administrative districts in Ghana, West Africa. The analysis is based on Landsat remote sensing images from 1986, 2001 and 2014 which were classified using supervised maximum likelihood algorithm in ERDAS IMAGINE. We computed three complementary growth indexes namely; Average Annual Urban Expansion Rate, Urban Expansion Intensity Index (UEII) and Urban Expansion Differentiation Index to estimate the amount and intensity of expansion over the 28-year period. Overall, urban expansion in the GKSR has been occurring at an average annual rate of 5.6 %. Consequently, the subregion's built-up land increased by 313 km 2 from 88 km 2 in 1986 to 400 km 2 in 2014. The analysis further show that about 72 % of the total built-up land increase occurred in the last 13 years alone, with UEII value of 0.605 indicating a moderate intensity of urban expansion. Moreover, the metropolitan-core of the sub-region, being the focal point of urban development and the historical origins of expansion, accounted for more than half of the total built-up land increase over the 28-year period. Over the last decade and half however, urban expansion has spilled into the neighbouring peripheral districts, with the highest intensity and fastest rate of expansion occurring in districts located north and north east of the subregional core. We recommend a comprehensive regional growth management strategy grounded in effective strategic partnerships among the respective administrative districts to curb unsustainable urban expansion.

Towards Sustainable Urban Transportation in Ghana: Exploring Adults’ Intention to Adopt Cycling to Work Using Theory of Planned Behaviour and Structural Equation Modelling

“…With an estimated population of nearly two-million, the city is experiencing rapid physical expansion [40], increasing number of motorized transport and congestion [41]. According to the most recent comprehensive traffic survey information for the metropolis, commuting trips by motorized transport, either public or private, constitute over 80% of mode share: the use of the bicycle is however low, representing less than one percent of all trips in the city [42].…”

Modelling the determinants of car-sharing adoption intentions among young adults: the role of attitude, perceived benefits, travel expectations and socio-demographic factors

“…One of the main reasons for the rising vehicle ownership in the country's major cities is the huge gap that exists between people's expectations regarding their daily travel experiences on the one hand and the poor quality of existing public transport services, which is largely informal and characterised by poor vehicle conditions, lax safety standards and unreliable schedules, on the other hand (Amoh-Gyimah and Aidoo 2013; Esson et al 2016;Abane 2011). Consequently, as the country's major cities continue to expand outward rapidly (Acheampong et al 2017;Stow et al 2013) and vehicle ownership increases, innercity congestion, longer commuting times, journey delays and pollution typify the urban transport situation in Ghana (Armah et al 2010;Obeng-Odoom 2010;Agyemang 2017;Adarkwa and Poku-Boansi 2011). It is estimated that vehicular emissions alone account for about 70% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Ghana (World Bank 2009;Peprah et al 2018).…”

Towards sustainable urban development: the social acceptability of high-rise buildings in a Ghanaian city

“…2. The figure, which is an extraction from (Acheampong et al 2017); a classification of Landsat images for Greater Kumasi Sub-region, shows the historical built-up and non-built-up areas of the metropolis.…”

“…Pursuant to this, empirical data is drawn from Kumasi metropolis, a rapidly urbanizing city in Ghana. Stemming from its high pace of expansion and sprawl (Acheampong et al 2017;Cobbinah and Amoako 2012), the local planning authorities of Kumasi metropolis have turned to the promotion of high-rise buildings, especially in the Central Business District (CBD).…”