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FROM BREATHING TO BREATHLESS CITYSCAPE: LAND GOVERNANCE AND URBAN GREEN SPACE MANAGEMENT IN GHANA
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Abstract
Abstract Body
Literature indicates that African cities are losing the battle to safeguard rapidly deteriorating urban green space (UGS) amidst growing vulnerability to global health and environmental change crises particularly climate change and rapid urbanization. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) strongly emphasize the creation of UGS via strong land governance protocols. Yet, little is known about the influence of land governance regimes. It is in response to this knowledge gap that this study inquires: could land governance protocols underlie the rapid UGS management problems in African cities? Using Kumasi (Ghana) – a city modelled on the garden city concept – as a case study, multiple data collection techniques were used involving spatial data, secondary data, and agency interviews. Findings indicate over 80% loss of Kumasi’s UGS between 1991 and 2019 producing a breathless cityscape. Although unplanned urbanisation, limited resources, poor urban planning and political interference were frequently mentioned as contributory factors, the foundational cause lies in the complex dual land governance regime lacking coordinated approach to urban development and encouraging non-adherence to land use requirements. Recommendations to improve the situation are proffered.