Understanding Mass Wasting In Metropolitan Accra
Date
2020-09
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University Of Ghana
Abstract
Metropolitan areas are one the fast-growing urban metropolis in Sub-Saharan Africa
with respect to both demographic densification and expansion of the built-up
environment. The sprawling nature of Metropolitan Accra has also resulted in various
human activities such as settlement, stone quarrying, and sand mining. The resultant
effect is the exhibition of signs of mass wasting in the metropolitan area for some years
now. Mass wasting refers to the wide variety of processes that result in the downward
and outward movement of slope-forming materials including rock, soil, artificial fill, or
a combination of these. The study employed a mixed-method approach to ascertain the
triggers of mass wasting in Metropolitan Accra. Specifically, the study assessed the
vulnerability levels, residents’ perceived risk to mass wasting and presented some
recommendations for policy considerations. A total of 130 respondents were used for
the study: 124 household survey and 4 in-depth interviewees. The results further
showed that the main trigger for mass wasting as perceived by respondents in the study
communities were anthropogenic factors with environmental impacts making majority
of responds in relation to mass wasting. The results again revealed that respondents at
the summit of hills perceived themselves to be less exposed to mass wasting than those
along the slope and base of the hill thus respondents along the slope and base of the
slope are perceived to be at greater risk of mass wasting events. The findings again
revealed that, majority of the communities at the northern part of Ga South were less
prone to mass wasting compared to those of the southern part, exposed to high risk of
mass wasting. Weija-Gbawe had some patches of areas very low to mass wasting with
the interior part accounting for some major high-risk zones. The study suggested some
recommendations for policy considerations to help manage the event.
Description
MPhil. Geography
Keywords
Mass Wasting, Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa, exhibition