Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Geography
Supervisor
Dr. Godwin Arku
Second Advisor
Dr. Alex Asiedu
Abstract
Ghana's capital, Accra, experienced significant population, commercial, and
spatial changes since the early 1980s, when the country implemented macroeconomic
reforms. One of these changes is widespread land-use conversion, largely from
residential to commercial units. This study examines the background and processes of
conversion, major causal factors, their impact on the urban built environment and
livelihood o f actors involved. The study derives from 39 in-depth interviews with key
informants. Strategic reports and documents are used to contextualize the interview
results. The findings indicate residential property is being converted into commercial
space due to a lack of affordable, formal commercial space and the desire to own
enterprises to assist with daily subsistence. Many of these businesses are small scale, and
the conversion is occurring with much informality. The implications of these conversions
in terms of economic reforms, planning, and long-term sustainability of the city in a
global marketplace are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Oosterbaan, Catherine, "ECONOMIC REFORM AND CHANGING URBAN LANDSCAPE OF ACCRA: THE CONVERSION OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS INTO COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE SPACES" (2009). Digitized Theses. 3949.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3949