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Continuity in transition: spatial transformation in peri-urbanisation in Kumasi

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Abstract

Rapid urbanisation, characterised by population increase and spatial development, is pushing the frontiers of major African cities from old urban cores outward into peri-urban areas. A key outcome is the transitioning of land uses and variations to customary land rights. Yet, understandings of everyday transformational processes and driving forces in peri-urbanisation remain underexplored. This article, using a case study of a peri-urban area of Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city, contributes to the body of literature on peri-urbanisation by: (i) analysing the spatio-temporal evolution of a peri-urban area; and (ii) examining key underpinning processes and patterns of peri-urban spatial change. Qualitative research methods involving interviews with traditional and local statutory authorities, and peri-urban developers, as well as map analysis, Landsat images, and photographs were used. Findings show rapid but unregulated spatial changes in peri-urban Kumasi, driven by increasing demand for land, land speculation, commodification, and infrastructure projects. Peri-urbanisation processes and patterns were shaped by multiple factors such as modernisation, urban restructuring, and individual home ownership aspirations. The process of spatial change assumed a linear and drastic permanent transition, producing less credence to intermediate and temporary land uses.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge that the paper is drawn from his PhD research at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Architecture and Planning. Special thanks to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), through the Wits-TUB Urban Lab [Project-ID: 57316204] under the Bilateral SDG graduate Schools programme, for bursary, mobilities, peer group and mentorship support for the PhD research at University of the Witwatersrand. Thank you to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Phillip Misselwitz (Technische Universität Berlin), Prof. Marie Huchzermeyer (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Prof. Daniel Inkoom (KNUST, Kumasi) for the PhD supervision and for visiting the case study sites.

Funding

The author would like to acknowledge that the paper is drawn from his PhD research at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Architecture and Planning. Special thanks to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), through the Wits-TUB Urban Lab [Project-ID: 57316204] under the Bilateral SDG graduate Schools programme, for bursary, mobilities, peer group and mentorship support for the PhD research at University of the Witwatersrand. Thank you to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Phillip Misselwitz (Technische Universität Berlin), Prof. Marie Huchzermeyer (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Prof. Daniel Inkoom (KNUST, Kumasi) for the PhD supervision and for visiting the case study sites.

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  1. School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    George Kwadwo Anane

  2. Academic and Students’ Affairs Division, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

    George Kwadwo Anane

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Anane, G.K. Continuity in transition: spatial transformation in peri-urbanisation in Kumasi. SN Soc Sci 2, 224 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00535-0

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