Changing land use/cover of Ghana’s oil city (Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis): implications for sustainable urban development

Sekondi-Takoradi has been a preferred city in Ghana for many individuals after the
discovery of oil in the area in 2007. This paper sought to analyze the land-use/cover
change of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis between 1991 and 2016, and its implications
on the sustainability of the city. A combination of GIS and remote sensing techniques were employed in the study. The findings of the study revealed a substantial
land use/cover change over the period under investigation. Farmlands, open forests,
and closed forests were converted into built-up areas. Furthermore, areas covered
by water were also encroached by the built-up environment. These show evidence
of unguided expansion of the physical growth of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. To
address the situation, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in collaboration
with public land and environmental agencies should undertake sustainable urban
development initiatives such as urban growth boundary strategies and also encourage vertical physical land development to protect the city’s nature reserves.