Evaluating the effectiveness of urban planning and administration in taming urban sprawl: a case of Kumasi-Ghana

Abstract

Currently, Kumasi is the largest urban agglomeration in Ghana, with a population of 2,035,064. Faced with rapid urbanization and urban sprawl, the city has created numerous growth problems for residents and authorities. In line with these developments, this study seeks to achieve the following objectives: (a) to identify urban growth problems in Kumasi, (b) to identify the causes of these problems, (c) to identify the growth pattern, (d) to identify planning interventions and their effectiveness, and (e) to suggest improvements based on lessons from the United States planning system. Employing a multidimensional approach, including content analysis of relevant literature, field survey, field observation, and remote sensing analysis of data, the study revealed the following: a city faced with traffic congestion, worsening waste conditions, encroachment on public lands and reserves, conflicting development, and negligence of planning regulations. However, planning officials, in their effort to control these developments, have not been successful due to outdated planning regulations and lack of coordination among institutions, comprehensive plans and subdivisions, and public participation in the planning process. Based on lessons from the United States Planning System, it was suggested that new planning regulations that conform to current problems should be developed and enforced. Additionally, the city should incorporate public views and input in the planning process, and finally, the city should adopt and enforce growth management strategies such as a population cap, a building permit quota system, an adequate public facility program, an urban growth boundary, and an urban service area. Keywords: urban growth management, urban sprawl, urban planning