Accra, the capital of Ghana, is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. With a population of around 4.6 million people, Accra faces many challenges including congestion, pollution, inadequate housing, flooding and poor infrastructure.
To address these issues, the Government of Ghana, in partnership with UN-Habitat and other partners, started it Accra City Extension Project (ACEP) in 2015.
The project aims to create a new urban extension in Ningo-Prampram, a district located about 60 km east of Accra, along the coast. The project covers an area of approx 150 square kilometers and is expected to host up to 1.5 million people by 2050.
..Some critics have argued that the project does not respond to the needs and preferences of existing and potential residents of the area, such as their cultural identity, livelihoods and social networks
ACEP’s vision is to create a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city that provides affordable housing, employment opportunities, social services and green spaces for its residents. The project is based on a participatory and flexible planning approach involving various stakeholders such as local authorities, traditional leaders, communities, developers and investors. The project also follows a phased implementation strategy that allows for adaptation and innovation over time.
Setbacks and challenges
However, despite ACEP’s ambitious goals and innovative methods, the project has faced some challenges and criticisms from different quarters. Some of the main issues raised are:
- Land ownership and compensation: The project area is divided between two traditional authorities, Ningo and Prampram, who have different claims and expectations regarding land ownership and compensation. The project has also been accused of displacing some local farmers and fishermen without adequate consultation or compensation.
- Environmental impact: The project area is located in a low-lying coastal zone that is prone to flooding and erosion. The project has been criticized for not taking into account the environmental impacts of its infrastructure development, such as roads, bridges and drainage systems, on the area’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Financial viability: The project relies heavily on private sector participation and investment to fund its development. However, the project could not attract enough investors due to various factors such as lack of clear regulations, incentives and guarantees, high risk perception and low demand for housing in the area.
- Social integration: The project aims to provide affordable housing for all income groups, especially the low income segment. However, some critics have argued that the project does not address the needs and preferences of existing and potential residents of the area, such as their cultural identity, livelihoods and social networks. They also questioned the affordability and accessibility of the housing units and services to be provided by the project.
Chances
The project is still in its early stages and has a long way to go before it achieves its vision. The project also has some strengths and opportunities that can be leveraged to overcome its challenges and improve its results. Some of them are:
- Technical specialty: The project has benefited from the technical expertise and guidance of UN-Habitat’s Urban Planning and Design Workshop, which has developed a concept design for the project based on international best practices and the local context. The project also involved other experts and partners such as MLA+, Creative Industries Fund NL, Ghana Urban Lab and others who contributed to various aspects of the project such as planning, research, communication and capacity building.
- Community Engagement: The project has adopted a participatory approach involving various stakeholders in its design and implementation process. The project has held several meetings and workshops with local authorities, traditional leaders, communities, developers and investors to solicit their input and feedback on the project. The project has also established an implementation committee to oversee its progress and coordination.
- Ability to innovate: The project has high potential for innovation as it is one of the first planned urban expansions in Africa aimed at creating a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city. The project can serve as a model and learning platform for other similar initiatives in Ghana and beyond.
In conclusion, ACEP is not a failure, but rather a work in progress that faces some challenges, but also has some strengths and opportunities. The project requires continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement to ensure that it meets its objectives and delivers its benefits to its stakeholders.
The project also requires more cooperation, communication and commitment from all parties involved to ensure its success.
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