As urban green spaces rapidly decline in Ghana, particularly in Accra and Kumasi, this research explores how urban residents value and relate to green spaces, and whether interactions with nature contribute to wellbeing.
What are the aims of this project?
We are investigating:
- How green spaces have changed in urban Ghanaian cities, and how different communities value, perceive, and engage with them;
- What different elements of subjective wellbeing associate with access and relatedness to green space and nature;
- Whether the values of different community groups are, or are not, represented in the governance of green space and contested areas in urban contexts;
- How different communities and groups value or “disvalue” nature, drawing on the IPBES Value and Nature Futures frameworks;
What methods are we using?
We are using a mixed-method approach, including:
- Geospatial analysis of remote sensing images to assess changes in urban green spaces.
- Household surveys (400-500 households) in Kumasi and Accra, focusing on socioeconomic factors, nature-relatedness, and wellbeing measures.
- Focus groups and interviews with local residents to explore nature-relatedness and the role of green space in wellbeing, including participatory mapping exercises.
- Interviews with management officials to compare public and institutional perspectives on green space governance.
What is the importance of this research?
Urban green spaces are disappearing in Ghana, yet their role in human wellbeing remains underexplored, especially outside Western contexts. This research provides vital evidence for preserving and recovering green spaces in Ghanaian cities, influencing urban policy and debates like those around the Achimota Forest Reserve.
What are the implications of this research?
Findings will guide urban nature recovery strategies, ensuring that green space policies align with local values and needs. Recognizing that nature may not always be universally valued in this context, the study aims to shape inclusive, community-driven approaches to urban nature conservation.
Who are we partnering with?
We are collaborating with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to design and deliver this research. The project is co-supported by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery.
What’s next?
Looking forward, we will be engaging with Ghana’s Forest Commission and local authorities to present findings on the role of green spaces in the lived experiences of urban residents. We will also share results with local communities to ensure transparency and inclusivity, given Ghana’s complex land ownership systems.
Key researchers:
