Key factors contributing to problems are migration from rural areas to the city for jobs and a better standard of living.
Urban planning, also known as regional planning, town planning, city planning, or rural planning, is a technical and political process focused on the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks and their accessibility.
Traditionally, urban planning followed a top-down approach in master planning the physical layout of human settlements.
Land Use and Spatial Planning authority; are responsible for ensuring the sustainable development of land and human settlements.
The decentralized planning system, ensuring judicious use of land, and creating an enabling environment for District Assemblies, to better perform the spatial planning and human settlement management functions which is backed by law, Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (No. 925 of 2016).
In the city of Accra, Ghana, traders are seen all over raising structures to trade without permit,the streets which are supposed to aid the movement of vehicles and pedestrians have now turn into market place causing traffic all the time.
The Tudu to Makola road in Accra is a classic example of such a challenge.
Walking offers major health benefits. But most cities across Ghana have poor planning and pedestrian infrastructure makes walking a serious challenge.
In most cities, roads are nicely constructed but the pedestrian path is left out.
Walking remains the main mode of transport for many people, especially among low-income residents in informal settlements.
Yet, it is well acknowledged that walking conditions in cities are hazardous.
This is partly due to the prioritization of local urban design for auto-mobility, poor planning and pedestrian infrastructure makes walking a serious challenge yet most people walk for their daily activities, whether short or long distance.
The Spintex road is one fine area in the city with a lot of labor, but no path for pedestrians, the road for automobiles and pedestrians is not demarcated which is very harmful to livelihood.
The majority of Ghana’s urban population live in informal settlements eg. Nima, James Town, Agbogbloshie, most people living in such areas are breeds for unscrupulous individuals which affect society, also sanitation issues in such areas become a problem to the health of many, the mandate given to Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority must make sure all these are curbed.
Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority must also do well to educate the public on land acquisition in the country.
People buy lands that are not demarcated, whiles others buy land and build on drainage paths and flood-prone areas which cause a flood when it rains coupled with pollution of the city’s atmosphere and water bodies, the Ngleshie Amanfrom and Awutu Senya East is a flood-prone zone which urban planners must take keen attention to solve the challenges.
Source: Nana Agyei Sikapa Ofosu-Manu(Real Estate Times Africa)
