Land use dynamics in urbanized area: A case study of Sunyani (Ghana)

Abstract

The dynamics of land use changes in an urbanized area within the concept of land use planning were investigat-ed, with Sunyani (Ghana) as a case study. A comparative research approach was adopted to obtain the data, wh-ich was analysed for the change distribution, relationships, values, and directions. Discrepancies between plans and corresponding physical development or implementation outcomes, and associated underpinning factors we-re identified for redress. Regarding land use distribution, residential land use correlated negatively with com-mercial land use (- 0.12) and public open space (- 0.24), but positively with education land use (0.51). Resident-ial land use lost more land (19.9 %) to the other uses, whereas public open space was the most vulnerable to change. Areas with high land values experienced less land use changes, while extensive land use changes occur-red on the outskirts. To address the challenges, the town and country planning officials, authorities and other re-gulatory agencies, ought to implement and enforce the appropriate bye-laws on land use plans in the urban area.