A growing city: patterns and ramifications of urban change in Wa, Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the patterns and ramifications of urban change in Wa, a fast growing municipality in northwestern Ghana. Using spatial information, key informant interviews and observations, the paper discusses how urban change, both in and out of the urban core, has affected environmental conditions. The result shows that, since 1986 built up density within the municipality has been on the decline due to urban sprawl. Meanwhile, compactness has increased in the municipal core resulting from infill whilst the city has been extending outwards into suburban areas in the form of linear strip developments along major transport routes. Overall, urban land use increased from 0.1% (614.4 ha) in 1986 to 7.8% (4587.7 ha) in 2016. Rapid urban change in Wa has resulted in high land values, poor and uncoordinated residential developments, and inadequate social and environmental services. The study concludes that Wa will continue to grow towards the southern, southwestern and western areas and fuse with Bamahu, Kpongu and Danko (in the Wa Municipality) and Siiriyiri (in the Wa West District) to form a single metropolis. It is suggested that the Wa Municipal Assembly should liaise with the Wa West District to complement efforts in the provision of urban infrastructure and environmental services for the emerging metropolis.