Producing an urban system for the spatial development of Ghana: lessons for sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This paper illustrates the power of geography in solving spatial problems. We demonstrate how an urban system can be produced to meet spatial development objectives stated in Ghana’s nascent National Urban Policy. Even though the growth pole, functional, territorial and economy of affection approaches have been used to theorize the role of towns, we conceptualize the role of towns in the development process as arenas for providing services, infrastructure, livelihoods, housing, governance and environmental protection. Urban systems are therefore produced to meet development objectives which are often spelled out in development plans or societal imperatives. Based on our conceptualization of the role of towns, we identify the current functional structure of Ghana’s urban system. This is followed by a determination of functional gaps and weaknesses in the country’s urban system. We offer ways of filling the gaps and strengthening weaknesses in the country’s urban system in the light of objectives of the proposed NUP. We conclude the paper with general lessons for sub-Saharan African countries.

Keywords:

• urban systems
• urban functions
• urban policy
• Ghana
• sub-Saharan Africa