Destruction of Urban Green Spaces: A Problem Beyond Urbanization in Kumasi City (Ghana)

Abstract

Urbanization remains a single predominant factor that is continuously linked to the destruction of urban green spaces. This has created a knowledge gap of limited attention to other critical factors that deplete urban green spaces in diverse ways. Using Kumasi city (Ghana) which is suffering from rapid deterioration of its green spaces as a study area, this paper sought to fill this gap by exploring other key factors aside urbanization that are responsible for the destruction of urban green spaces. The paper relied on a case study research approach and triangulated data collection techniques such as in-depth interview, focus group discussion, personal observation and retrieval of archival data. In all, 30 in-depth interviews, 10 focus group discussions and numerous personal observations were carried out. It was observed that apart from urbanization, laxity in the enforcement of development controls, problem of ownership of green space lands, low priority to green spaces, uncooperative attitudes of the general public, poor culture of maintenance and lack of coordination among the allied bodies on green spaces play a critical role in the destruction of urban green spaces. The paper therefore concludes that for a city to have a preserved and sustainable urban green space, a broader public policy or city development plans that take into consideration the factors highlighted by the paper in addition to urbanization is essential.

Is Kumasi Still a Garden City? Land Use Analysis between 1980-2010

“…For example, a study by Asare (2013) found many parks in Kumasi to have been converted into commercial centres with the Prince of Wales Park and Kotoko Park (Cricket) being notable examples. Similarly, Adjei Mensah (2014) found substantial portion of the Fante Newtown Park encroached for commercial activities. The Para Gardens was also found to have been taken over by the "Sofoline" interchange.…”

“…There ISSN 2157-6092 2014 www.macrothink.org/jee 97 were a variety of trees along many principal streets of Kumasi which formed canopy and shade for travellers and pedestrians. Typical examples were trees along roads joining "Asarfo" and "Tech" Neighbourhoods, and "Danyame" and "Patasi Neighbourhoods" (Adjei Mensah, 2014). The central business district had several shrubs and lawns which made the commercial hub of the city greener.…”

“…The central business district had several shrubs and lawns which made the commercial hub of the city greener. Neighbourhoods such as Ahodwo, Nhyiaso and Patasi were also noted for harbouring rich stock of nature reserves and green vegetation (Adjei Mensah, 2014). All these green spaces formed the green infrastructure of Kumasi which made the city one of the greenest cities in Africa and a point of attraction for both local and foreign tourists.…”

“…Table 2 gives a detail account of the status of major parks and gardens in Kumasi. (2013) The declining and deplorable nature of the parks and gardens was found to be as a result of factors such as poor enforcement of development controls by the city authorities, uncooperative attitudes of the general public, lack of comprehensive plan for green spaces, lack of priority to green spaces and conflicting land ownership rights over green spaces (Adjei Mensah, 2014;Oduro-Ofori & Braimah, 2013;Taylor 2010). Personal observations of some of the parks in Kumasi to get first-hand information found a bizarre situation and a clear demonstration of little or no attention given to green paces (Figure 7).…”

An Urban “Mixity”: Spatial Dynamics of Social Interactions and Human Behaviors in the Abese informal Quarter of La Dadekotopon, Ghana

“…Urban greening has received little consideration in Ghanaian cities [74,75], and much less in informal settlements. Studies show that greening and landscaping in urban areas improve social liveliness, enhance aesthetics, and foster environmental behavior settings that support positive spatial and social experiences [70,[76][77][78][79].…”