Local Government Planning And Disaster Risk Management In The Accra Metropolitan Area Of Ghana

Abstract

The study draws on the chaos theory, stakeholder theory and the integrated planning approach to argue that local government authorities need to rethink the integration of Disaster Risk Management [DRlVl] into local government plalming for effective management of risks. A mixed method approach was used for the study. The study design was descriptive and explorative. The stratified random and purposive sampling procedure were used to sample the respondents for the study. Interview guide, interview schedule, and observation guide were used to collect the data. The SPSS version 25 was used to analysed the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed using the thematic analysis. The study found that even though there are Acts and laws that regulate the physical planning and disaster management at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies [MMDAs1, in practice, there appears to be discrepancies due to institutional challenges. Again, the MMDAs are not able to use development control measures to control physical development due to poor enforcement which has led to increase in residents' vulnerability to disaster risks. Additionally, DRM has not been effectively integrated into the MMDAs' local development planning because of unavailability of an integration guideline. The study concludes that MMDAs are not adequately prepared to manage disasters at the local level. The study therefore recommends that MMDAs should be empowered to deal with disasters at the local level. A policy guideline for integration of DRM into MMDAs plalming processes should be provided. DRM agencies should effectively collaborate \"'ith all stakeholders , especially communities to achieve effective disaster risk management.