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 investigated, with Sunyani (Ghana) as a case study. A comparative research approach was adopted to obtain the data, which was analysed for the change distribution, relationships, values, and directions. Discrepancies between plans and corresponding physical development or implementation outcomes, and associated underpinning factors were identified for redress. Regarding land use distribution, residential land use correlated negatively with commercial land use (- 0.12) and public open space (- 0.24), but positively with education land use (0.51). Residential 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 occurred on the outskirts. To address the challenges, the town and country planning officials, authorities and other regulatory agencies, ought to implement and enforce the appropriate bye-laws on land use plans in the urban area