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Urban Wetland Planning and Management in Ghana: a Disappointing Implementation

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Abstract

The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), in Ghana, has witnessed the destruction of approximately 60% of its wetlands. Wetlands provide many valuable ecological, social, economic, and recreational functions. Appreciation of the importance of wetlands has increased in recent years, consequently, wetland protection has been recognized globally through international agreements, as well as through national, regional, and local policies and regulations. Empirical studies on wetland destruction in urbanized Ghana are limited. Adopting a qualitative approach, this research examines the causes and extent of wetland destruction in the GAMA. The study reveals that measures designed and implemented to protect wetlands in the GAMA have proved ineffective due to non-implementation and monitoring of wetland protection strategies, policies and projects. These shortcomings reflect a lack of resources and participation of stakeholders in the planning, development and implementation of wetland protection policies. The study concludes with a recommendation for more direct participation of stakeholders in developing and implementing plans and strategies to manage wetlands in Ghana.

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Fig. 1: Study Sites and Wetlands in GAMA.
Fig. 2: Housing Developments in the Densu Delta.
Fig. 3: Reasons for not obtaining a building permit.

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Acknowledgements

The author thanks the editor and the outside reviewers for helping to organize, sharpen and clarify the arguments in this article. I thank sincerely my three graduate research assistants; Maame Yorke Esi Apeaa, Jaclyn Adwoa Essandoh, and Jane Adade Ampong who assisted with this study. This research was funded through Minnesota State Faculty Research Grant.

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  1. Urban and Regional Studies Institute, Minnesota State University, 106B Morris Hall, Mankato, MN, 56001, USA

    Raymond Asomani-Boateng

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Correspondence to Raymond Asomani-Boateng.

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Asomani-Boateng, R. Urban Wetland Planning and Management in Ghana: a Disappointing Implementation. Wetlands 39, 251–261 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-018-1105-7

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