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The Deputy Director of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), Dr. Benedict Mensah Arkhurst, has revealed that the authority lacks the necessary resources to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
Speaking on Dominion TV’s Wake Up Africa morning show on Monday, with Korku Lumor and Precious Biadela, he emphasized that while LUSPA performs its functions “creditably,” executing plans remains a major challenge.
Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) was established to replace the Town and Country Planning Department, tasked with planning, managing, and promoting the sustainable development of human settlements in Ghana. However, despite its mandate, Dr. Arkhurst admitted that resource constraints hindered effective implementation.
“The plans are there. Accra is heavily built up, and when you go to the 29 municipal assemblies which form the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, there is a sharp contrast between what has been planned for and what is happening on the ground,” he noted.
He clarified that Accra’s urban issues are not due to a lack of planning but rather inadequate resources.
“There is the issue of resource constraints. We need vehicles to move around to stop developers from encroaching on critical ecological sensitive areas, but we don’t have those resources.”
Accra is facing significant challenges as it struggles to cope with rapid urbanization. As of 2023, Accra’s population has surged to approximately 5.5 million, with an annual growth rate of 3.5%. This rapid expansion has put immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, leading to environmental problems that threaten the health and well-being of its residents.
The Globalization and World Cities Research Network has designated Accra as a global city with growing international influence and connectedness. However, this growth comes with a price. The influx of people moving to Accra has resulted in environmental issues such as floods, fires, and increased land and air pollution.
According to recent statistics, Accra experiences an average of 15 flood events per year, resulting in significant economic losses and displacement of residents. The city’s air pollution levels have also increased by 20% over the past five years, exacerbating respiratory problems and other health issues.
Dr. Arkhurst highlighted that successful implementation of spatial plans requires a collaborative effort between LUSPA, landowners, and other governmental agencies to ensure sustainable urban development.
However, the costs of mitigating these environmental problems are substantial, diverting resources away from other critical areas such as education and healthcare.
As Accra continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize sustainable urban planning and development. This includes investing in green infrastructure, improving waste management systems, and promoting eco-friendly practices among residents and businesses.
In the coming days, Dominion TV’s morning show, Wake Up Africa and LUSPA will be rolling out a special program in adopting a proactive and sustainable approach to urbanization, where Accra can minimize the negative impacts of growth and create a healthier, more habitable environment for its residents.
Wake Up Africa morning show on Dominion TV is currently Ghana’s Premier Morning Television Program. It’s the flagship show and hosted by the charismatic duo Korku Lumor and Precious Bia Dela. The Wake Up Africa morning show is revolutionizing how Ghanaians and Africans start their day.
This inspiring program sparks domestic and continental conversations with insightful discussions on current affairs, health, fitness, entertainment, and more.
It airs weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 am GMT to promote Ghanaian and African culture, values, and talents.
With a strong focus on Africa’s geopolitical dynamics and impactful global/domestic stories, Wake Up Africa distinguishes itself among African morning television programs.
Source: Sharon Frimpomaa Opoku
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