Trading Trees for Concrete Blocks; The Developmental Path in Abokobi in the Ga East Municipality

Abstract

The presence of tree life in the landscape of cities is a promising means to supporting life. In an urban community, many of the social, economic, and environmental problems such as health, water, and air pollution, can be attributed to the consistent imbalance between the natural environment, built and socio-economic environments. This paper examines the challenges and prospects of tree life in the face of urbanisation in Abokobi in the Ga East Municipality. Data was obtained using purposive sampling technique, cluster and systematic random sampling techniques to sample key informant interviewees and 120 property owners for the questionnaire survey. In examining the spatial trends of vegetation cover of the entire Ga East Municipality, the paper employed an ArcGIS 10.1 software. The study found that between the base year 2005 to 2017, the study area had experienced continuous depletion of vegetative cover. This has serious implications on human life and the ecosystem. Again, findings from this paper indicates the presence of existing policies vis-à-vis institutional arrangements governing tree life in the study area but lacks implementation. The paper therefore recommends a participatory planning process as an ideal development pathway for the study area, an all-inclusive review of the land tenure system and the augmentation of institutional coordination in enforcing building protocols.

Keywords: tree life, urbanisation, land tenure system, sustainable development, Abokobi, Ga East Municipality, Ghana.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-7-09

Publication date:July 31^st 2020