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