A two-day conference organised by the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) has seen researchers call for more sustainable and integrated governance models to address the pressing challenges of rapid urbanisation in Ghana.
The event, which was on the theme 'Urban Transformation Pathways, Sustainable Governance and Urban Resilience Building,' brought together a diverse group of scholars from Ghana and the international community to explore innovative solutions for urban water and agriculture resilience.
The conference was spearheaded by co-convenors Dr. Joshua Ntajal (Junior Fellow, Inter-disciplinary Fellow Group (IFG), Dr. Peter Bilson Obour (Senior Fellow IFG 10), Dr. Ousmane Niang (Senior Fellows, IFG 10) and Dr. Kwadwo Owusu (Senior Fellows, IFG 10).
Dr. Peter Bilson Obour
In their joint welcome address, MIASA Directors Prof. Grace Diabah (Ghana) and Prof. Mamadou Diawara (Germany) highlighted the significance of the conference put together by MIASA’s tenth Interdisciplinary Fellow Group (IFG10). The Directors stated that “The conference offers the opportunity to present and discuss research results as well as emerging issues together with international experts from various countries in Africa, from Germany and the United States.”
Prof. Grace Diabah
“We are grateful for the collaborative work that underpins this conference and extend our special appreciation to IFG10 conveners and members for putting this conference together,” the Directors expressed.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities, in a speech read on his behalf, reiterated the need for collaborative efforts in dealing with pressing agricultural challenges posed by the expansion of cities in Ghana. “With the rapid growth of urban landscapes and the accompanying challenges, it is imperative to build sustainable and resilient ecosystems. The recent floods in Accra underscore the necessity for researchers to exchange ideas and co-create innovative solutions,” he asserted.
In his keynote address, titled "Large-scale Urban Road Corridors Development and Its Implications on Sprawl, Agriculture and Food Security in Sub-Saharan African Cities," Prof. George Owusu, a Professor of Urban Geography at the Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research (ISSER), highlighted the urgent necessity for sustainable urban planning. He attributed major urban challenges in Ghana to a lack of proper urban planning and institutional commitment.
Prof. Owusu pointed out that the absence of dedicated planning has led to intermittent and uncoordinated expansions in urban areas, causing long-term congestion and inefficient use of resources. He highlighted the financial burdens these planning deficiencies create, noting, “These become bottlenecks in urban areas, with huge financial resources being invested into infrastructure expansions.”
Prof. George Owusu
Prof. Owusu also discussed the adverse effects of extending city boundaries, which increase travel times for residents and strain service delivery systems. He blamed the severe congestion in Accra on the failure of authorities to implement the Accra City Plan, formally known as the Accra Planning and Development Programme (1991).
The Keynote Speaker expressed concern over the high rate at which farmers are losing their lands to wealthy individuals, posing significant threats to food production and security in the country. He called for urgent attention to this issue, stating, “Protecting agricultural lands is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable development.”
During the conference, presenters and chairs led insightful discussions across various panels, addressing critical topics in urban development and resilience.
Day 1 commenced with a focus on “Urban Agriculture Resilience in West Africa,” chaired by Prof. Kwadwo Owusu from the University of Ghana & MIASA IFG10 fellow. The panel featured presentations by Prof. Joelle Cruz from the University of Colorado, Dr. Ousmane Niang from Université Cheikh Anta Diop & MIASA IFG10 fellow, and Dr. Sylvia Kruse from the University of Freiburg.
Prof. Cruz shared insights on the significance of women's community gardens in Dakar, Senegal, while Dr. Niang explored challenges and strategies in urban agriculture resilience. Dr. Kruse delved into untangling urban resilience, focusing on systematic approaches at the water-food nexus.
Day 1's second panel, “Climate Change Adaptation and Urban Food Security,” was chaired by Prof. Joelle Cruz from the University of Colorado. Dr. Isaac Kwamena Arthur from the University of Ghana presented on building resilience against urban heating effects on vegetable production, while Dr. Musibau Oyeleke Azeez from Obafemi Awolowo University discussed circular agriculture's role in urban food security and climate change adaptation.
On Day 2, the panels shifted focus to “Urban Transformation, Water Governance and Resilience Building,” chaired by Dr. Sylvia Kruse from the University of Freiburg. Dr. Peter Bilson and Prof. Kwadwo Owusu from the University of Ghana & MIASA IFG10 fellows discussed water management strategies for urban agriculture, followed by Dr. Joshua Ntajal from the University of Bonn exploring urban transformation complexities.
Dr. Joshua Ntajal, IFG 10 Fellow
The final panel of Day 2, “Water Resources Management and the Role of Institutional Collaborations,” chaired by Dr. Isaac Kwamena Arthur from the University of Ghana, featured presentations by Dr. Emmanuel Obuobie from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Accra, Dr. Michael Tuffour from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya and Dr. Adrian Almoradie from the University of Bonn, focusing on challenges, opportunities and resilience perspectives in water resources management and urban sustainability.
