Historical Review and Nature of Cities in Flux- Accra, Ghana

Abstract
Urbanization is currently experienced worldwide. Many developing countries evolve. Urban centers are set up in many big towns. As a result of urbanization, the country’s population is seen to be centralized in the cities (Angel, Parent, Civco et al., 2011). Migration from rural to urban regions is experienced. The urban center, therefore, expands to accommodate the increased population. The main reason behind urbanization is the centralization of the industries of the country. One such developing country is Ghana.
In this study, a leading city in Ghana will be the primary focus. It will be considered as an example of flux Cities in the developing countries (Shillington, 2012). It is important to note that developing countries face many serious challenges like problems due to lack food, water, energy among others. Some social, economic, physical and political affiliations are also rampant. The study focuses on Accra, the capital city of Ghana. In this study, challenges facing Accra city will be discussed. Finally recommendation on how to solve the problems will be stated.
Introduction
Accra is considered to be the global capital of Ghana. It serves the country in almost all vital matters. It is a typical city of a developing world. Its location, population, administrative framework and political influence of the state tell much. Being situated in Africa, the continent stricken by dry climatic condition, it serves best to tell more of what other cities in the developing countries go through. In particular, Africa experiences almost similar challenges in its struggle to set up urban centers (Shillington, 2012).
Urbanization in Ghana has impacted into many cities and town centers that have attracted population. As a result, many people migrate from rural areas to cities. The people in the cities in any country far outnumber the people of the countryside. Therefore, it is vital to take a deeper study to find out the challenges facing flux cities in the developing countries (Angel, Parent, Civco et al., 2011).
In this study, Accra, the capital city of Ghana will be studied. The objective of the study is to analyze the geographic locality of the city, population, the historical development of the city, economic status and political factors among others. The main focus will be the social and economic challenges facing residents in Accra, Ghana. Finally, the conclusion will be made with recommendations on ways in which the status of the city could be improved. This case study is intended to serve as a model for realizing the challenges that other cities in the developing countries go through.
Geographic Location of Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital city of Ghana. It is found in the African continent. Ghana is geographically located in Western Africa. It borders the Gulf of Guinea between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo. Accra lies in the South of Ghana. Besides, it is found geographically along the Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean. The city’s terrain is plain and scrubland, rainforest and savanna (Angel, Parent, Civco et al., 2011). Therefore, the city experiences tropical warm and relatively dry climatic conditions. In summary, Accra, the global city in Africa is located in the appropriate site that attracts population.
Geographically, Accra situated in a relatively dry region. The area experiences the dry coastal equatorial climatic condition. The temperature ranges from 20â‚’ and 30â‚’ Celsius. It experiences low rainfall condition. The rainfall ranges from 635mm to 1140mm. The soils are very shallow with low contents of organic matter. This type of soil hinders the growth of crops. Thus, agricultural activities cannot be practiced successfully within the city. Besides, the type of soil facilitates flooding from rivers Volta and Densu that are found within the city.
Historical Review of Accra, Ghana
Historically, the first attempt to set up a town was in 1859. Ghana attained its independence in 1957. It became the first country in the sub-Saharan colonies to get its independence. The country was colonized by British. These bordering countries are Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo. The development of Accra city reached its peak in the 1960s after Ghana attained her independence. In 1960, it was referred to as Accra Capital District (Angel, Parent, Civco et al., 2011).
The current Accra city was initially occupied by local people called Ga in the 15th Century. The Ga people (Ga-Adangbe) were the founders of the Accra city. Portuguese first visited Ghana in the late 15th Century. The main aim of the Portuguese’ visit was to make the city a center for conducting trade. However, in 17th Century, they were chased away by the Dutch. Later, Dutch, Danes, and Britain formed rival trading posts. It is important to note that during this period, the rivalry was over the Accra region. Dutch, Danes, and Britain established settlements which became the Gold Coast Colony. The Gold Coast Colony was composed of three separate towns (Angel, Parent, Civco et al., 2011).
These towns were called Ussher, James, and Christiansborg; they were founded in the 17th Century. It is these three separate towns that grew and united thus forming the famous city of Accra. The modern development currently seen in Accra city was mainly drawn and laid in the 1920s. Since the 1920s, the city has been undergoing rapid growth and development. When Ghana, previously called Gold Coast Colony, gained its independence, Accra remained the capital city.
Nature of Accra City’s Government
In 1960, the greater Accra was legally part of the Eastern Region. During this time, the city got its administration directly and separately by the Minister for local government. However, a lot has changed over time. For instance, 1982, Greater Accra became a separate region. The legal decision also ensured that the newly created Greater Accra Region merges with the Ada locality. Currently, the city is governed both traditionally and politically.
In curbing the traditional affairs, the traditional level of governance is enforced. This method involves putting in place the plans that direct the cultural and customary practices of the residents. It is applicable due to diverse cultures of the immigrants from different parts of the country. Land disputes are also solved amicably by traditional type of governance. On the other hand, the political method involves the enforcement of the law and order as stipulated by the decentralized government (Stoler, Fink, Weeks et al., 2012).
The structure of the regional administration is done based on the 1992 Ghana’s constitution. The local authority also gets ...