THE IMPACT OF GENTRIFICATION ON SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY DEVELOPMENT IN GHANA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of gentrification on Sunyani municipality development. The objectives are to identify the benefits of gentrification and the challenges.
 Design/Methodology/ Approach: The research adopted a case study approach. The population was 200 buildings. This research made use of 1the non-probability sampling method to sample 41 respondents. The main instrument used for data gathering was the use of the questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics that involved the use of mean scores and standard deviation with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 24).
 Findings: Gentrification results in residential mobility and most of the buildings are redeveloped into commercial buildings to accommodate the financial institutions like the banks. 20-30 years period of ownership is being implemented by the developers in the area who engage in gentrification. The benefits are the creation of employment and development of the Central Commercial Area. Some of the challenges that were identified included Increased Social Vices; Land disputes among family members and Destruction of Community Bond.
 Research Limitation/Implication: The study focused on traditional buildings in the study area.
 Practical Implication: Planners who seek to avoid large-scale gentrification, or at least seek to further “development without displacement” and to maintain some minimum level of economic diversity in the nearby areas.
 Social Implication: There need to be mandatory inclusionary housing policies should be in place that requires developers to set aside a significant percentage of new housing units at affordable rents for lower-income tenants.
 Originality/ value: There has not been a study like this in the case study area and it has contributed to the existing body of knowledge by identifying 5 variables that bring benefits to gentrification.