Abstract:
New private property investments in Africa’s cities are on the rise, often
manifested as comprehensively planned urban extensions. Greater Accra
has several competing city projects under development, potentially
launching new city-making trajectories and competitive struggles
among rival projects. This article assesses the rationale and early
evolution of Ghana’s largest, most ambitious project the Ningo-
Prampram Urban Extension, aiming to accommodate 1.5 million people.
Supported by UN-Habitat, international consultants, government, and
local Chiefs, the constellation of actors supports a public-private
partnership to engage in urban entrepreneurialism, underpinned by
sustainable development features and promising increased
global connectivity. However, this project raises socio-spatial
contradictions with regard to how affordable housing, an airport city
and other developments can augment Accra’s development. Global
economy articulation as well as intra-city connectivity is promised but at
its peril it amplifies sprawl so that the Accra City Region evolves into a
string of beads along the Trans-West African Highway.
