Abstract
This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activities in Ghana. The paper was based on the results of an inspection of 5896 already built houses at Mepe in the Volta Region of Ghana. A mixed method research approach was used to gather the data through snowball non-probability sampling technique. It enabled the researchers to identify 100 local artisans. Survey questionnaires were used, which was followed by structured interviews with five (5) elders who lived in the town for over 65 years. The results showed that the early houses were built on community lands with mud and thatch clustered with narrow and unnamed alleys. Property owners heavily depended on local artisans for professional guidance, although some artisans were ill-trained and unaware of existing government SP regulations. The study was limited to artisans who practiced at the local community level. The findings showed that many local artisans were poorly trained, resulting in poor workmanship and non-compliance with local planning regulations. The paper recommends the integration of SP into the artisanal curricula at both local and national levels to improve their skills.
Highlights
There is an indication that the concept of Spatial Planning (SP) is a very crucial aspect in ensuring economic, social and environmental harmony in urban cities
This paper explored the antecedents and the role of local artisans in Spatial Planning (SP) activities in Ghana
The study was limited to artisans who practiced at the local community level
Summary
There is an indication that the concept of SP is a very crucial aspect in ensuring economic, social and environmental harmony in urban cities. The Ghana National Spatial Development Framework 2015-2035 Volume II [2] suggested that SP was critical for delivering economic, social and environmental benefits by creating more stable and predictable conditions for investment, development and by securing community benefits from those developments. SP is an important lever for promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life as it is becoming increasingly recognized in international policy documents. Despite the above plethora of literature on the subject in both developed and developing countries, its relevance is very limited especially among local artisans in Ghana. This is due to lack of appropriate training and recognition of the role this segment of technical set plays in relation to SP. In the light of the above, this paper reports on the results of an inspection survey conducted on 5896 resettlement project in Mepe Township in the Volta region of Ghana
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