University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh THE CHANGING PATTERNS OF GHANAIAN TOWNS, 1960-2000 BY NOAH KWAME TALI SEPTEMBER 2009 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh REGIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POPULATION STlJDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON THE CHANGING PATTERNS ()F GHANAIAN TOWNS, 1960-2000 BY NOAH KWAME TALI SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FLJLFILLIVIENTOF THE REQlIIREMENT FOR IVI.ADEGREE (POPULATION STUDIES) IN THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON SEPTEMBER 2009 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACCEPTANCE Accepted by Faculty of Social Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award ofM.A Degree (population Studies) . i:J~Jr Supervisor. . Dr. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe 11 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEC LARA TION I, Noah Kwame Tali do hereby declare that, except for the duly acknowledged references to other people's work, this study is my own work undertaken at the United Nations Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, and that neither in part nor in whole has been presented elsewhere for another degree. Noah Kwame Tali (Student) Date ..... Il.~.(.?-J'~.:Z/fiJ11 111 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my late father, Torgbui Tali II (So So & So), my mother, Atsunorvi Gaga and to my lovely wife Gifty Ivy Akpalu for their devotion to my education. IV University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am most grateful to God Almighty for taking me through the M.A Programme successtltlly I am greatly indebted to my Supervisor Dr Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe for taking the pain to guide and encourage me throughout this work My profound gratitude is also extended to all lecturers of RIPS for their immense contributions which made this work a reality I also sincerely acknowledged the support of all my course mates especially Lucy Atido, Alice Agordor and Lilian Mensah whose support and encouragement without which 1 would not have been able to complete this work 1 wish to finally thank my lovely wife, Gifty Ivy Akpalu and my brother Prosper Tali for their support in diverse ways throughout my course of study v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh TABLE OF CONTENT TITLE PAGE Title page .. . 1 Acceptance . . .....•........•...•••...••........•....... 11 Declaration . . lIl Dedication IV Acknowledgement '" v Table of content , , vi List of Tables ix List of Figures : . . x Abstract. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . XI CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1,1 Background to the Study... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem , 3 1.3 Rationale of the Study 5 1.4 Objectives of the Study , 8 1.5 Literature Review 9 1.6 Data and Methodology , 15 1.6.1 Source of Data 15 1.6.2 Method of Analysis 15 1.7 Limitation to the Study 15 1.8 Definition of Key Concepts 16 1.9 Organization of the Study 17 VI University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh LIST OF TABLES TABLES PAGE Table 2.1: Ghanaian Towns with 10,000 or more People and Reasons for Growth, 1960................................................................. . .27 Table 22: Population Growth of Ghanaian Towns and Reasons for Growth: 1960-1970..................... . 34 Table 3.1: Population Growth of Ghanaian Towns and Reasons for Growth: 1970-1984 47 Table 4.1: Population Growth of Towns under Structural Adjustment and Decentralization Policy 1984-2000 58 Table 4.2: Population Growth of Agriculture, Mining and Fishing Towns: 1984-2000 61 Table 4.3: Population Growth of Administrative and Market Centres: 1984-2000 66 Table 4.4: Population Growth of Satellite Towns: 1984-2000 , 69 Table 4.5: Population Growth of Border, Harbour and Industrial Towns: 1984-2000 ..... 71 IX University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh PAGE CHAPTER II: POPULATION PATTERNS OF GHANAIAN TOWNS: 1960-1970 2.1 Introduction 19 2.2 Ghanaian Towns during the Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods 20 2.3 Classification of Ghanaian Towns under Plausible Reasons for Growth 22 2.4 Ghanaian Towns with 10,000 or more People in 1960 23 2.5 Growth of Ghanaian Towns between 1960 and 1970 30 CHAPTER III: POPULATION PATTERNS OF GHANAIAN TOWNS: 1970-1984 3.1 Introduction 38 3.2 Growth of Ghanaian Towns between 1970 and 1984 39 3.3 Plausible Reasons for Growth of Ghanaian Towns, 1970-1984 .42 CHAPTER IV: POPULATION PATTERNS OF GHANAIAN TOWNS: 1984-2000 4.1 Introduction 52 4.2 Growth of Ghanaian Towns between 1984 and 2000 53 4.3.1 Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) 54 4.3.2 Decentralization Policy 56 4.4 Growth of Agricultural, Mining and Fishing Towns between 1984 and 2000 59 4.5 Growth of Administrative and Market Towns between 1984 and 2000 64 4.6 Growth of Satellite Towns between 1984 and 2000 68 4.7 Growth of Border, Harbour and Industrial Towns in Ghana, 1984-2000 70 Vll University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh PAGE CHAPTER V: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMJ\.1ENDATIONS 5.1 Summary 73 5.2 Conclusions . . ..76 5.3 Recommendations 76 REFERENCES 78 APPENDIX A: Regional Administrative Map of Ghana 81 APPENDIX B: A Map of Ghana Showing the Regional Capitals and Major Towns 82 Vlll University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh LIST OF FIGURES FIGURES PAGE Fig 2.1: A Map of Ghana, Showing Major Towns and Rivers 26 Fig 2.2: Population of Administrative Towns in 1960 28 Fig 2.3: Population of Agricultural Towns in 1960 .28 Fig 2.4: Population of Mining Towns in 1960 : 29 Fig 2.5: Population of Fishing, Harbour and Market Towns in 1960 29 Fig 2.6: Population of Administrative Towns between 1960 and 1970 35 Fig 2.7: Population Growth of Agricultural Towns between 1960 and 1970 36 Fig 2.8: Population Growth of Fishing Towns between 1960 and 1970 36 Fig 2.9: Population Growth of Mining Towns between 1960 and 1970 37 Fig 2.10: Population of Harbour and Dormitory Towns between 1960 and 1970 37 Fig 3.1: Population Growth of Administrative Towns between 1970 and 1984 49 Fig 3.2: Population Growth of Mining Towns between 1970 and 1984 49 Fig 3.3: Population Growth of Fishing Towns between 1970 and 1984 50 Fig 3.4: Population of Market, Border and Dormitory Towns between 1970 and 1984 50 Fig 3.5: Population Growth of Major Agricultural Towns between 1970 and 1984 51 Fig 4.1: Population Growth of District Capitals under Ghana's Decentralization Policy Between 1984 and 2000 59 Fig 4.2: Population Growth of Major Agricultural Towns between 1984 and 2000 63 Fig 4.3: Population Growth of Mining Towns between 1984 and 2000 63 Fig 4.4: Population Growth of Fishing Towns between 1984 and 2000 64 Fig 4.5: Population Growth of Major Administrative Towns between 1984 and 2000 67 Fig 4.6: Population Growth of Market Towns between 1984 and 2000 67 Fig 4.7: Population Growth of Dormitory Towns of Accra between 1984 and 2000 70 Fig 4.8: Population Growth of Border and Industrial Towns between 1984 and 2000 72 x University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ABSTRACT The main objective of this study is to examine the growth patterns of Ghanaian towns in terms of population size and to investigate the plausible reasons for an increase or decrease in the number of people living in the towns at a particular point in time. For a meaningful study, selection is made of all towns in the country with population of 10,000 or more by the 2000 Population and Housing Census Reports of Ghana. The study found out that, internal migration in Ghana flows in all directions but the more urbanized towns with much infrastructure development and job opportunities as found in regional administrative capitals, mining towns, industrial areas as well as commercial towns continue to attract a disproportionate share of the migrants. Major differences in urban functions such as administrative, commercial, manufacturing, construction services, transport and communication, agriculture and mining as well as educational institutions in the various large towns have to a large extent been responsible for the different rates of urbanization and growth of towns in the country. For instance, the population of the largest city in the country, (Accra), has been 8 times as large as the 3rd largest town (Tamale) and 39 times that of the 20th largest, Nkawkaw as at 2000. Generally, the contribution of net migration to the growth of towns in Ghana over the period 1970 to 1984 was low compared to that of between 1960 and 1970 due to an economic crisis experienced by the country in the 1970s which compelled many Ghanaians to travel outside the country in search of jobs. Decentralization policy instrument of Ghana which was initiated in 1988 changed the status of some towns in the country and hence reduced rural-urban drift of the youths. Xl University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the study. One of the most demographic features about the second half of the zo" century is the astronomical growth of urban centres and the manner in which millions of people have mushroomed in the four corners of the earth. Consequently, human settlements throughout the world have undergone series of dramatic changes in their patterns, levels and organizations. The world is on the verge of a shift from predominately rural to mainly urban. According to the United Nations Demographic Yearbook 2008, 33 percent of the world's total population of 3.0 billion people in 1960 lived in urban centres. This percentage share of the urban population rose to 37.2 in 1970 and to 42.7 percent in 1990. It has also been projected that the world's urban population will rise to 52.0 percent by the year 2010. Thus, for the first time in the demographic history, the world's population living in the urban areas is expected to exceed that of rural population. The issue is not different for sub-Saharan Africa. The percentage share of the urban areas in Africa is projected to reach 51.4 percent in 2015. This also implies that, should urban growth and the level of urbanization go on uninterrupted, Africa, for the first time is expected to have greater proportion of its people living in urban areas by the year 2015 compared to rural areas. Ghana has not been left out in the dramatic upsurge of urban growth and urbanization. According to the Preliminary Reports of the 2000 Population and Housing Census of Ghana, the urban population of Ghana increased from 23.1 percent of the total University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh population in 1960 to 28.9 percent, 32 percent and 43.8 percent in 1970, 1984, and 2000 respectively. The census figures show that, while a majority of Ghanaians still live in rural areas, larger towns and cities continue to attract more immigrants than small towns. (Nabilla, 1992). The process of urbanization in Ghana predates the arrival of Europeans and colonization. However, while the scale of urbanization during this period was quite small, the process assumes a new impetus and dynamism during the European colonization and the introduction of western economic enterprise with its market economy which favoured urban concentration. Investment strategies iriformed by basic criteria of investing in regions with exploitable and exportable resources, and subsequent provision of basic infrastructure attracted population to such areas relative to other parts of the country. Ghana's population has increased significantly since the 1920's when formal censuses were introduced. Along with the increased population has come the increasing concentration of the population in settlements of 5000 or more people. Using Ghana's official urban definition, the top urban hierarchies are the large cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Secondi- Takoradi with population of 250,000 or more. This is followed by medium-sized towns with population of 50,000 to 250,000, typified by regional capitals. After this are the small towns exemplified by the district capitals/administrative centres with population of 5000 to 50,000. Lastly, there are rural settlements. (Owusu, 2008). According to the Ghana Statistical Service reports on 2000 population and housing census, Accra metropolis was recorded as the first largest locality in Ghana with a population of 1,658,937 followed by Kumasi metropolis of 1,170,270 and Tamale with 2 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh a population of202,317. Takoradi, Ashaiman and Tema followed with 175,436; 150,312 and 134, 645, respectively. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Urbanization in Ghana had been rapid since independence both in the number of people and the number of towns classified as urban. The number of urban centres identified in Ghana in 2000 was 364 which constitute 43.8 percent of the total population of the country. However, a few urban cities dominate this concentration, mainly Accra and Kumasi. In 2000, the two cities accounted for about 34 percent of the total urban population of the country though there were 350 urban centres in the country (GSS, 2002). The Greater Accra region again, which is the most urbanized region in the country recorded a population growth rate of 5.6 percent between 1960 and 1970, while the national average growth rate was 2.4 percent. However, a 1960 sample survey showed that the region had the least natural increase, indicating that, large proportion of the growth of the population in 1970 was due to migration from other areas. (Abdulai, 1999) In addition, of the Ghana's total urban population of 8,274,270 recorded in the 2000 Census, 30.8 percent was recoded in urban areas of Greater Accra region while only 1.2 percent was recorded from urban centres in Upper West region. The number of urban centres in Greater Accra region increased from 3 in 1960 to 46 in 2000, and that of Ashanti region increased from 10 in 1960 to 56 in 2000. However, the number of urban centres in Upper West region increased from 1 in 1960 to 5 in 2000 and from 3 in 1960 to 3 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 7 in 2000 in the case of Upper East region. There is clear indication from the above statistics that, Ghana is experiencing rapid urbanization, however, what is worrying and highlighted in some official research documents, (Adepujo, 1987 and Nabila, 1992) is the uneven spatial concentration of the urban population in the country. Conversely, there are few other urban centres whose population size had declined significantly either during the first, second or third inter-censal period. The 2000 Population and Housing Special Reports on Urban Localities revealed that, towns like Sekondi, Keta, Ayarko and Kedzi continue to decrease from 1960 through to 2000. Undoubtedly, the massive increase in the number of urban towns as well as the number of people residing in these towns in the last three decades will have serious implications for food, housing, education, health services, job opportunities and social amenities in the urban centres. In the Greater Accra for instance, there is continuous water shortage or no water at all in some areas of the capital city. Satellite towns such as Adenta, Ashongman, Madina, Ashaley Botswe and hardly see water flowing through their pipes. Health facilities in these urban centres are nothing to write horne about. Government Hospitals like 37-Military Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital all in the capital city of Accra as well as the regional hospitals all over the country are over stretched with virtually no extra space for admission of patients. In addition, the problem of waste disposal which is directly related to the number of people and their consumption habit can not be left out in this issue of urban concentration. Gutters in the urban centres are filled with human waste which continues to cause perennial flooding in the "big" cities of Accra, Kumasi and their various satellite towns. 4 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Housing problems in the various urban centres especially the regional capitals and the large commercial towns like Techiman, Tema New Town and Nkawkaw in the country has lead to proliferation of urban slums and temporary structures. There is an upsurge at the rate in which rent for houses in the urban cities rises by each month, creating a situation where some people sleep in temporary and uncompleted structures. Inadequate job opportunities had also resulted in streetism, commercial sex work, armed robbery and other social vices in the urban areas. For the above illustrations and consequences of the vanous dimensions of urbanization, this study attempted to answer the following questions: (i) What is the pattern of change in the Ghanaian towns over the past four decades? (ii) (ii) What are the plausible factors accounting for the rapid increase in the number of urban cities as well as the number of people residing in these cities? (iii) Why is the urban growth concentrated In few metropolitan cities of the country? (iv) Finally, why are some urban cities declining in size and why have some declined during particular period and then increased in other periods? 1.3 Rationale of the Study. Urbanization and for that matter urban growth have been a compelling topic for research in the recent decades in view of its demographic and socio-economic implication in the world and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. 5 "",./ University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Before the commencement of official population censuses in Ghana, there was virtually no detailed research work on the pattern of urban growth and urbanization undertaken in Ghana. However, after the 1948, 1960, 1970 and 1984 population censuses, and currently, 2000 population and Housing census of Ghana, more detailed research works on the growth of urban areas were conducted. For instance, Larbi, W.O (1986), studied Spatial Planning and Urban fragmentation in Accra; Gough, K.Y.(1999), worked on "The changing role of urban governance in Accra, Ghana; and "Continuity and Change in Peri-urban Accra and Kumasi" by Gough, K.V.& Yankson, P.W.K. in 1997. All of these works focus mainly on migration to the urban cities of Accra and Kumasi and its related consequences. Not much had been done on the processes of urban growth regarding how the small towns attain urban status and the rate at which the urban cities are increasing in both numbers and sizes. The widely held views by those works on Migration and Urbanization is that, rural-urban migration has negative effect on the rural areas, and as such, migration deprives the rural areas and for that matter the agriculture sector of its young workers and the educated who are more receptive to new ideas crucial to the transformation of the rural production. Unfortunately today, the massive movement to the towns has resulted in rapid rate of urbanization with its resultant unemployment, overcrowding, sanitation problems, crime and other social vices on one hand and negative structural changes with its possible consequences for the rural areas on the other. It is therefore necessary to undertake this type of studies to examine the pattern of urban growth in the country with its related consequences on both the rural and urban settlements. This will help to up-date the understanding and dynamic processes of 6 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh urbanization from demographic perspective in our urban cities. Our stakeholders could hence be informed with effective programs and strategies to combat the chronic problems engulfing the urban centres in the country and at the same time ensuring a balance spatial distribution of population in the country. In addition, most of the research works in the area of urbanization such as Grant, R & Yankson, P.W.K (2002), Larbi, W.O (1996) and Gough, KY. (1999) were all at micro specific units regions and cities but not at the aggregate level covering the entire country. Thus, conclusions drawn on the subject have been specific mostly on the few over populated cities of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale. There is therefore a research gap between the national level on one hand and the regions on the other. The study hence seeks to rationalize the need to conduct an in-depth investigation into the aggregate components of urban growth and urbanization in the country. It is hoped that the results will provide a new data set for planning and implementation of population and socio- economic policies. Furthermore, most of the works done in the area of urbanization were mainly on the rapid growth of major urban centres in the country, but not on the declining urban settlements. This work will also identify some declining urban settlements with regards to the factors accounting for their decline over the specific period. Finally and most importantly, the study is timely in terms of the ever increasing satellite towns around the large cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and Sekondi- Takoradi with such associated issues like water shortage, problem of sanitation and housing, pressure on health and educational facilities, high level of unemployment, prostitution and other social vices. The study will therefore help redirect the attention of policy 7 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh makers, planners as well the academics to what corrective measures could be used or adopted and which areas should be given a priority consideration in the rural development effort. It is in the light of the above variation gaps in the various works conducted by several researchers that this study has to be undertaken to examine the changing patterns and trends of Ghanaian urban cities over the last four decades. 1.4 Objectives of the Study The general objective of the study is to examine the changing patterns of Ghanaian towns between 1960-1970, 1970-1984 and 1984-2000 with emphasis on towns with population of 10,000 or more in 2000. Specifically, the work will: (i) Examine the pattern and trends of the growth of Ghanaian towns in the country. (ii) Investigate the plausible causes of the increases as well as decreases in the selected Ghanaian towns over the various inter -censal periods of the country. (iii) Examine the impact of Ghana's decentralization programme on the growth of towns in the country. (iv) Make suggestions and policy recommendations that are likely to help our policymakers and stakeholders to promote spatial population distribution in the country. 8 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 1.5 Literature Review Kingsley Davis (1972) in his book "World Urbanization 1950-1970" stated that, by 1970, the world's total population had reached approximately 3.6 billion people. Of these, about 1.4 billion or nearly 39 percent lived in urban areas. Today, 49 percent of an estimated total population of 6.7 billion people in the world is living in urban areas. In the case of Africa, 38 percent of the 967 million people are living in urban settlements and Ghana, the focus of this study is currently having 48 percent of its 23.9 estimated population residing in urban cities (2008 World Population Data Sheet). Tacoli (1998), identify that the distinction between 'rural' and 'urban' is probably inescapable for descriptive purpose; however, it often implies a dichotomy which encompasses both spatial and sectoral dimension. In censuses and other similar statistical exercises, rural and urban populations are usually defined by residence in settlement above or below a certain size. Agriculture is assumed to be the principal activity of rural populations whereas urban dwellers are thought to engage primarily in industrial production and services. Urbanization however, was in part the result of population increase both due to natural causes and immigration. As well, it was a consequence of economic and technological changes which reduced the demand for labour on farms and offered vastly expanded opportunities in urban industries. The Population Reference Bureau (September 2007) stated clearly that, the world's regions differ greatly in their levels of urbanization. In North America, Europe, and Latin America and Caribbean, more than 70 percent of the population is already urban; but in Africa' and Asia, less than 40 percent of the population is urban. The 9 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Bulletin explained further that, globally, all future population growth will take place in cities, especially in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Asia and Africa, this growth will signal a shift from rural to urban growth, changing a millennia-long trend. Clark, P. (1995) identified in his studies on 'The Urbanization of the Human Population' in Scientific America, the shift of population from rural to urban area as the principal cause of population growth in the cities in Europe during the industrial Revolution. He identified shift from agricultural to non-agricultural occupation as the principal economic factor of such growth. The industrial revolution was therefore seen as the catalyst in accelerating the levels of economic growth and development in Europe. Hence, urban growth has come to be understood in the Western World in terms of its "connection with economic growth". In a related study conducted on urban growth in Latin America between 1931 and 1951, Hauser (1961) cited in Clark (1995) found that migration was the principal contributor to urban growth in Venezuela, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Paraguay and El Salvador. On the other hand, natural increase contributed more than net migration in Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Cuba within the same period (1931-1951).The marked differences in urban growth in these Latin America countries were attributed to differences in socio-economic and demographic characteristics. In Africa, Adepoju (1987) found out in his work on "Internal Migration and Regional Development in Africa" that, migration exerts direct and indirect effect on urban population growth. The direct contribution of migration, he explains derive from the initial migratory streams, and the repeated and longer stay at the urban destination. A second effect is then set in motion as migration attracts other migrants and the indirect 10 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh effect seen in reproductive behaviour of the migrants. Migration, Adepoju explains, is age selective and in Africa where a larger population of the urban immigrants consists of the youth, they invariably transfer their rural high reproductive behaviour to boost up urban fertility. Writing on Urban dynamics of Black Africa, Hanna, W.L. (1971) cited in Tacoli, C. (2002) identified migration as the predominant factor in urban growth in the 19th Century. However, they acknowledged that in most African towns, natural increase has already become the primary cause of population explosion. They further observed that the contribution of natural increase in the urban growth will be increasing since there is increasing proportion of the number of women of childbearing age in town. In analyzing 1948, 1960, 1970 and 1984 Population Censuses of Ghana, Nabila (1992) found out that between 1948 and 1960, net migration contributed more than 90 percent to urban growth in Ghana. The share of net migration declined to 54 percent between 1960 and 1970. The figure declined considerably to 18 percent between 1970 and 1984. According to the author, the reduction of net migration to urban growth in Ghana was due to the fact that as more of migrants settled in the urban centres, they contributed their natural fertility to urban growth. Working earlier on the Population Distribution of Ghana, Gaisie and de Graft- Johnson (1974), also identified the high concentration of industrial establishments and government departments in the Accra- Tema Metropolitan area as the main factors responsible for the rapid increase in population in the area. According to them, Greater Accra region alone in 1970 contained over 90 percent of the large industries in Ghana. 11 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Caldwell (1969) cited in Owusu (2008) also argued in his publication on "Africa Rural-Urban Migration, The Movement to Ghana's Towns" that, population growth in the urban areas in Ghana between 1948 and 1960 was largely attributed to migration. According to him, about half of the growth is attributable to Ghanaians who moved from the countryside to the towns. Immigrants from neighbouring countries had also contributed to the urban growth. Ewusi (1986) cited in Anarfi et al (2003) found that depressed social conditions at the place of origin are more compelling motivations for rural people to migrate than economic factors. However, once people decide to migrate to urban cities, individual migrants base their choice of destination primarily on the economic opportunities available at that end. One other Survey on Internal Migration and Urbanization in Ghana by Obeng (1991) revealed that over 80 percent of the respondents gave economic reasons for migrating from their previous localities, suggesting that income differentials contribute significantly to internal migration in the country. He further explained that, the pattern of internal migration in Ghana which had resulted into a high rate of urbanization in the country is been influenced by the stark differences in the levels of poverty between the North and the South, as well as their perspective capacities to respond to new economic opportunities. Owusu (2005) in his study on "Growth of Small Towns in Ghana" emphasize that while historical dimensions have been well-noted by many writers on urban growth and regional development in Ghana, more contemporary factors acting on these historical conditions and shaping the current urbanization process in the country involve the impact 12 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh of the economic and political reforms of the last two decades. These he cited as the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) inspired Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) as well as Decentralization and local government reforms, introduced at the end of the 1980s. The author explained that SAPs in Ghana though, had restored some level of economic growth and sanity at the macroeconomic level, it came at a high social cost due to the fact that most vulnerable groups have been adversely affected both directly and indirectly by measures such as the withdrawal of subsidies on social services, retrenchment of labour, and the general increases in prices of goods and services. Also, SAPs in Ghana have been criticized as only stimulating economic activities in the traditional resource-rich regions and relatively developed south, especially the cocoa and coffee, mining and timber regions. This, it is argued, has further widened the gap between the north and south. Notwithstanding the criticisms of SAPs, Konadu-Agyeman and Adanu (2003) cited in Owusu (2005), in their studies on "The Changing Geography of Export Trade in Ghana under Structural Adjustment Programmes: Some Socio-economic and Spatial Implication", argue that the promotion of non-traditional export commodities under SAPs has enabled regions especially northern Ghana to participate in the export trade. A process if adequately supported in the long-run with better infrastructure would likely have positive impact on previous disadvantaged regions. They made the argument that, the removal of subsidies which for a long time largely benefited the urban population; the shrinking of the formal sector which was largely concentrated in the larger urban centres; 13 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh and the high cost of living in these centres have reduced the attraction of the leading cities in the country. In a related argument, Thomi, W. et al (2000), notes that SAPs lead to reduction in rural-urban migration rates and hence reduction in the growth of major cities, whilst at the same time allowing the growth of both secondary cities and other locations in the national urban system. While the explanations suggested by the author may hold for other Third World countries, especially in Latin America, they fall short in the case of Ghana. Available evidence from Owusu, G. (2005) indicates that, in Ghana, SAPs have not resulted either in deconcentration of industries and employment or a significant shift in the terms of trade in favour of agriculture. Rather, investments have continued to be concentrated in the core metropolitan areas, especially Accra- Tema. In fact, evidence from 2000 Population and Housing Census Reports indicates that the four urban centres of Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi account for 44 percent of the total urban population. Yankson et al (2005) in their work on "Monitoring Urban Growth in Ghana" realised that modern urbanization in Ghana is focused mainly on Accra- Tema and two other urban nuclei in the country, Kumasi and Tamale. They found out that Accra is a primate city not only in the size of its population, but this primacy manifests in every respect: political, administrative, economic and cultural. Accra became the capital of the Gold Coast, (now Ghana) in 1877 when the colonial headquarters was relocated from Cape Coast. It has subsequently become not only the political and administrative capital, but also the commercial, industrial and cultural centre. It is the transport hub of the 14 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh country and linked to the outside world through the only international airport of the country and a harbour at Tema, about 20 km to the east of Accra. 1.6 Data and Methodology 1.6.1 Source of Data. The principal source of data for the study were basically taken from the 1960, 1970, and 1984 Population Censuses; as well as 2000 Population and Housing Census conducted in Ghana by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Based on the 1960, 1970, 1984 and 2000 Population and Housing Census Reports of the country, all the towns with population of 10,000 or more people are selected in each of the four census reports for the study. 1.6.2 Method of Analysis The study is a descriptive one. Simple statistical techniques like ratios, rates and percentages were employed. Percentage increases of population over each of the three inter-censal periods for all the selected towns are computed and tabulated. The selected towns are however, grouped under plausible reasons that might have contributed to their growth or decline over the various inter-censal periods. Excel is however used to compute the percentage increases. 1.7 Limitation of the Study Ghana, like any other developing country, lacks a clarity regarding the boundaries of urban centres resulting in either splitting or merging of some settlements. A 15 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh typical case is the peri-urban areas surrounding major urban cities such as Accra and Kumasi. Another limitation is the usual coverage error associated with population censuses in Sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana. In spite of these limitations enumerated above, the four Population Censuses are the most comprehensive and reliable data available for the study. 1.8 Definition of Key Concepts (i) Urban Centre: It is important to note that different centres use different population sizes to refer to an urban centre. An urban centre in this study shall constitute a settlement where 5,000 or more of the population resides. This conforms to the definition of urban area in Ghana. Urbanization therefore shall refer to the situation where an increasing proportion of the total natural population lives in urban settlements. (ii) Urbanization: It is a process of continuous concentration of population in a particular country into cities and metropolitan areas. It is the process of growth in the proportion of the national population living in urban centres. (iii) Natural Increase: The difference between the number of births and deaths occurring in a given population within a well defined territory in any particular year. 16 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh (iv) Urban Growth: The change in the number of population living in urban areas relative to the initial number at the beginning of a given a given period. Strictly speaking, it refers to the growth of in the urban areas themselves. (v) Migration: Movement of individuals or groups which involves a permanent or serru- permanent change of usual place of residence between clearly defined geographical or administrative boundaries for at least six months. VI Decentralization Decentralization has been defined as the "transfer of authority to plan , make decision, and manage public functions from a higher level of government to any individual, organization or an agency at a lower level"(Rondinelli, 1981) cited in Kumi- Kyereme, A. et al (2005). 1.9 Organization of the Study The study will be organized into five chapters. The first chapter which is the introductory chapter focuses on the background to the study, statement of the problem, the rational of the study, Objectives, Literature Review, Data and Methodology involving 17 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh data source and Method of Analysis, Limitation to the study and Definition of Key Concepts. The second chapter examines the Population patterns of Ghanaian towns with 10,000 or more people between 1960 and 1970 while chapter three looks at the growth pattern of the selected towns between 1970 and 1984. Chapter four of the study will identify the plausible reasons influencing the growth of Ghanaian towns with population of at least 10,000 in year 2000. The last chapter, chapter five will contain the Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations. 18 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER II POPULATION PATTERNS OF GHANAIAN TOWNS: 1960-1970 2.1 Introduction The problem of defining urban centres is probably as old as the conceptual problem of defining what constitutes a town or a city. Definitions used or applied to urban centres have therefore varied among researchers even for the same country and region.(Owusu,2005). For instance, Ardersson (2002), writing on Zimbabwe, notes that while Kamete et al. (1988) defines urban centres at Zimbabwe as settlements with population above 9,999, Pederson (1995) suggested a settlement with a population of at least 50,000 to be considered as urban. In the context of Ghana, urban centres are officially defined as settlements with populations of 5000 or more. However, according to Owusu (2005), three main classifications of Ghanaian towns can be made: small towns, medium-sized/intermediate towns, and large towns/cities. At the top of Ghana's urban hierarchy are the large cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Sekondi- Takoradi, with populations of 250,000 or more. This is followed by the medium-sized towns with populations of 50,000 to 250,000, typified by the regional capitals. After this are the small towns, exemplified by district capitals/administrative centres with populations between 5,000 and 50,000. Lastly are the rural settlements with populations less than 5,000. Thomi and Yankson (1985), made a similar classification of Ghana's urban system based on the 1970 Population Census. Andrae's (1981) classification of Ghanaian towns, based on the 1960 Population Census and other characteristics such as administrative status and level of industrial and service establishments, created a four-tier 19 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh urban hierarchy: The Accra capital region which is the national politico-administrative and industrial hub with a population of over 300,000; Cities ( Kumasi, Tema, Sekondi- Takoradi) with populations over 50,000, then comes the important industrial and all other regional administrative capitals with populations over 10,000. The last category is towns with populations below 10,000 which are mainly district administrative capitals. Andrae considered all locations whose populations are below 10,000 as 'rural' settlements. Even though, Ghana has an official definition of urban centres as settlements with a population of 5000 or more peoples, it has none for towns or other categories such as large or medium-sized town. For meaningful discussion and analysis, towns in Ghana are defined in this study as localities with population of 10,000 or more people in the 1960, 1970, 1984 and 2000 Population Censuses of Ghana. This is also for the fact that, Ghanaian towns with a population of at least 5,000 may be too many for the study. Additionally, some of the towns that are labeled as towns by the official definition are purely rural settlements with little or no level of commercial or industrial activities. Furthermore, the 10,000 population cut-off for this study is mainly due the fact that, most of the towns in Ghana that falls under this category actually have urban characteristics in terms of infrastructural developments. 2.2 Ghanaian Towns during the Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods Historically, growth of towns and therefore urbanization has been a feature of demographic, social and economic life of the people of Ghana. Consequently, contemporary urban growth has been a result of cumulative process of social, economic and demographic change in the country. 20 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Tetteh (1992) has indicated that there was an indigenous African urban tradition in Ghana. The most remarkable being Salaga, Bono, Wa, and Kintampo which in the pre-colonial days were principally market centres owing their existence and development to trading activities. According to Addo (1966), the expenence of urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana is essentially a zo" century phenomenon and is a product of African colonial history. The advent of the Europeans in the 15th century produced a tremendous transformation in the nature and direction of trade and had a distinctive impact on population growth and distribution. The Europeans built fortresses along the cost and started trading with the indigenous people along the coast which stimulated economic growth and development. Consequently, a number of localities like Cape Coast, Winneba, Accra, Ada and Keta developed into larger localities along the coast. These towns served as centres for export of resources of the country and at the same time as centre for import of industrial and consumer goods from Europe. Alongside trading in commercial items in exchange for mineral resources and timber, the Europeans introduced Slave trade. The Slave trade led to inter-tribal wars, which were much intensified in the northern part of the country. This contributed in no small way in the dwindling of population in some parts of the country. Introduction of Cocoa into the agriculture industry of Ghana had also altered the growth of Ghanaian towns. Addo (1966) contends that, cocoa farming created a permanent migration to the farming settlements. As a result, population in towns like Lartey, Adukrom, Manpong and Aburi all in the Akwapim south, declined drastically at the time. For example, Larteh's population declined from 7,911 in 1901 to 2,623 in 21 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 1931, representing a decline of 66.8 percent over the twenty-year period. Similarly, Aburi population also declined considerably from 8,393 in 1901 to 3,700 in 1931. The cocoa industry also enhanced the importance of certain towns like Accra and Sekondi- Takoradi. For instance, Accra and Sekondi- Takoradi served as ports through which cocoa were exported to Europe, and where storage facilities for cocoa were constructed. 2.3 Classification of Ghanaian Towns under Plausible Reasons for Growth Many significant differences can be drawn between any two towns. The differences may be based on size, location, age (new or old towns), importance or functions as well as morphology. The size of the population and importance or functions of a town are the most fundamental basis for comparison of towns. (Benneh G. et al, 1988) It is however very difficult to classify a particular town base on a single function performed by that town. For instance, all administrative towns such as the regional capitals equally have large market centres which contribute to their growth. Likewise, some towns situated at a border say Dzodze and Bawku with much trading activities are also predominantly farming settlements. Hence the classification of the selected towns in this work is not mutually exclusive. The number of functions or services provided by urban centres and their location factors are the main reasons used to explain the growth of the selected towns in the country. For the prosperity and importance of a town, situation or location in relation to other settlements or centres of economic activity is far more vital than site. A settlement develops urban characteristics and provides certain services (educational, commercial, 22 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh administrative, farming and mines) if there is a demand for them from the area in which the settlement is situated. One can talk of Administrative towns which in Ghana are generally associated with the regional offices of the various ministries, departments and agencies. In other words, majority of the people in these towns are workers in the various offices. Commercial functions such as banks, markets and large stores are common in these towns. Mining towns are located at mineral deposits. Examples are Obuasi and Prestea which began strictly as mining towns. Almost all towns on the coast originally functioned as ports and were lined with the interior by roads. This factor of port location can now be applied to towns like Tema and Takoradi. Other categorizations of towns in this study are Agricultural towns, Fishing towns and Market or Trading towns. Even though, no town can be classified exclusively as an Agricultural or fishing town, the categorization is done to mean the main activity engaged in by the majority of the people in the locality. Yeji, for instance, began as a small fishing community and had grown to its present status as a result of migration of fishermen mainly from the Volta region to the town. 2.4 Towns with Population of 10,000 or more in 1960 Table 2.1 shows towns in Ghana with populations of 10,000 or more according to the 1960 Population Census Reports. In all, 34 towns in Ghana had a population of at least 10,000. From the table, it can be observed that the identified towns include all the 10 administrative regional capitals. Most of these towns were selected as colonial administrative centres in 1901 and had witnessed massive development in terms of road, 23 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh electricity, rail-lines, schools and hospitals which were influential factors for growth of population in these areas. This is an indication of the fact that, the administrative functions which the regional capital towns serve couple with the rapid infrastructural development at these towns served as a centripetal force in attracting migrants thereby expanding the population in these towns. Wa, Sunyani, Berekum, Koforidua, Tamale, Ho, Cape Coast, Accra and Kumasi are examples of towns which grew as a result of their basic administrative functions and the implied commercial activities. From the table, it can be clearly seen that Accra Central Town has the highest population of 347, 815 as at 1960. The transferring of the capital town of Ghana from Cape Coast to Accra in 1877 and hence the location of the headquarters of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as educational and commercial centres in Accra can be sited as the main reason of the high population in the city far back at 1960. Apart from the regional administrative capitals, certain enclaves like Tarkwa, Obuasi, Dunkwa, Akwatia, Oda and Prestea are also identified among this group with 10, 000 and more population in 1960 because of mining activities. From the table, Prestea and Tarkwa are the next highest after the regional capital, Takoradi in the Western region as Obuasi also comes after Kumasi in the Ashanti region. In the Eastern region, Oda is the third highest after the regional capital Koforidua. This affirm the fact that, mining was a major activity in the country during the 60' s and had attracted a lot of migrants to mining localities. As already stated, introduction of Cocoa into the agriculture industry of Ghana had also affected some Ghanaian towns. Notable towns like Wenchi, Berekum, Agogo and 24 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Manpong attracted migrant farmers from other towns and hence increase the populations of these towns within the period. Another important factor that contributes greatly to the growth of some towns during the colonial era is trading. Trading activities initiated by the Europeans with active participation of natives along the coast saw the growth of towns like Winneba, Keta, Ada and Cape Coast. Nevertheless, almost all the regional administrative capitals as well as the District administrative centres have large markets in them. This is due to the fact that, as more and more people move to these town as workers in the various departments and agencies, commercial an trading activities automatically boom resulting ill larghe markets. A Mention can be made of Agbogloshie and Makola markets III Accra; Kotokoraba market in Cape Coast and Kejetia market in Kumasi. Other regionai capitals, Ho, Koforidua, Tamale,Wa and Takoradi as well as Bawku and Tarkwa can boast of large markets. The major towns in Ghana including all the regional administrative capitals are shown in Figure 1.1. All the 34 identified towns in 1960 had a total population of 1,098,742 people with the nine administrative towns having 65.1 percent of the population. Agricultural towns and Mining towns covers 12.6 percent and 10.8 percents of this population respectively. Also, the population of two harbour towns, Tema and Takoradi accounted for 5 percent of the total population of the 34 selected towns in 1960. 25 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh FIG.2.l: A Map of Ghana, Showing Major Towns and Rivers. \/o!b 010Qkm o,.. ..___.. - . .75 rlf. , !> - .1. ... ,.Bimoi_(a t· Togo '-, Benin ,.\. ~ f(>:-:H'~f'l~J ~~, i.:"~"•- ,--I- ~ -~ ... . r. 1 : , .Nsawam .' .:rerna Preste.a p"<~' Swedru- o·. .Tarkwa Accra .cCapG CQast Sekondi (I' 2. ;:;'HEl1 ~"v~:ic,AN G¥·':<~m:~I·li"i· .2' ~l~()!fS);£S-:; 1QP i.V,,'I;"i'i. rnap~.·~~~("1:, 26 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Table 2.1 Ghanaian Towns with 10,000 or More Population and Reasons for Growth, 1960 Reasons for Growth / Towns Population Administrative 1960 Accra 347,815 Cape Coast 41,230 Ho 14,519 Koforidua 29,849 Kurnasi 180,642 Sekondi 34,513 Sunyani 12,160 Trunale 40,443 Wa 14,342 TOTAL 715,513 Al:;riculture Agogo 10,356 Agona Swedru 18,293 Anloga 11,038 Asamankese 16,718 Berekurn 11,148 New Tafo 10,557 Nkawkaw 15,627 Nsawarn 20,240 Nyaakrorn 13,467 Suhurn 10.193 Wenchi 10,672 TOTAL 138,126 Minina Akwatia 12,592 Bibiani 12,992 Dunkwa-on-Ofin 12,689 Konongo 10,771 Obuasi 22,818 Oda 19,666 Prestea 13,246 Tarkwa 13,545 TOTAL 118,319 Fishin2: Keta 16,719 Winneba 25,376 TOTAL 42,095 Harbour Takoradi 40,937 Terna 14,937 TOTAL 55,874 Market Centres Bawku 12,719 Yendi 16,096 TOTAL 28,815 GRANDTOTAL 1,098,742 Source: Derived from 1960 Population Census Reports. 27 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Figure 2.2 Population of Administrative Towns in 1960 400,000 350,000 300,000 (I) N 250,000 'iii I: 0 :0:; 200,000 :ra; Q. 0 0. 150,000 100,000 Accra Cape Ho Koforidua Kumasi Sekondi Sunyani Tamale Wa Coast Towns Figure 2.3 Population of Agricultural Towns in 1960 25,000 -- 20,000 +----------------------f':-:<-----------i QJ N 'iii 15,000 +----1 Io: ~ "3 Q. 10,000 o 0. 5,000 Towns 28 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Figure 2.4 Population of Mining Towns in 1960 Akwatia Bibiani Dunkwa-ori- Konongo Obuasi Oda Prestea Tarkwa Of in Towns Fig 2.5 Population of Fishing, Harbour and Market Towns in 1960 45,000 .. . _- - --_ -.- .--- .. - _ . _ .. - 1 I 40,000 = ~ I 35,000 ~ 30,000 I I (I) , .!::! III s;;: 25,000 I 0 DFishing Towns :0::; 8Harbour Towns III ~ S 20,000 ~ oMarket TOWn5a. I a0. r- E 16,000 f-- ~ r;r I~ 10,000 r-- I 11"§j IH~ I·t: I5,000 I~!:f-- I" I 0 I~ 1m eli Keta Winneba Takoradi Tema Bawku Vendi Towns 29 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 2.5 Growth of Towns between 1960 and 1970 Table 2.2 presents the population growth of Ghanaian towns and the plausible reasons for their growth between 1960 and 1970. From the table, all the nine regional administrative capitals at the time had a total population of 1,255,139 representing 64.2 percent of the total population of the towns with 10,000 or more people in 1970 .. This is due to the presence of many government offices couple with high level of economic activities especially commerce and services in the capitals. Ever since the capital of Gold Coast (now Ghana) was moved from Cape Coast in the Central Region to Accra in 1877, Accra capital city has become a magnet for the economically active, including local and foreign industry owners, manufacturers and workers. Its status and location resulted in Accra becoming the leading administrative, educational and commercial centre in the country. This, however, led to Accra becoming the primary destination for most Ghanaian internal migrants which resulted in a population growth from 347,000 in 1960 to 678,000 in 1970 - an increase of95 percent. Bolgatanga and Navrogo which were less than 6,000 in 1960 increased to 18,896 and 11,031 respectively in 1970. These two towns together with Bawku, Wa and Yendi were among the prominent towns in the current three Northern Regions, with much infrastructure development which boosted trading and commercial activities in the various towns and therefore pulled majority of the youth from the neighboring villages. Agricultural land use continues to be a dominant factor for the distribution of population especially in the rural areas. Apart from being responsible for the establishment of new settlements, it is a determinant of the types of spatial patterns of distribution. Studies by Hunter (I967) demonstrate that constant fragmentation of land among family members as well as lost of land fertility compelled some farmers to move with their families to other towns with higher agriculture productivity. Majority of 30 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Ghanaian towns with populations of more than 10,000 in 1970 were mostly cash crops like cocoa farming localities. Towns like Berekum, Wenchi, Bekwai, Mampong and Ejura which are cocoa farming localities, have their populations increased to 10,000 and more in 1970. All the agricultural towns listed in the table except Nyaakrom had increased in size as expected with Mampong having the highest increase of 75 percent over the period. Nyaakrom which is an old farming locality has decreased by 16.4 percent between 1960 and 1970 probably due to out-migration. Most of the youths in the town might have migrated to the nearby towns in search for better job opportunities and better living conditions. The agricultural towns identified in 1970 as having more than 10,000 people represents 12.3 percent of the total population of 1,955,258. After agriculture, mining is the most important activity in Ghana in terms of its contribution to export revenue. The discovery and development of minerals in the country was one of the spectacular developments that affected population distribution. The development of "modern mining" encouraged movement of people into mining areas in search of jobs. Other pull factors that might have encouraged people to move into these mining areas included the social services these areas provide such as free housing, health, transportation and education. The principal gold fields in the 1960s include the land areas around Prestea, Tarkwa, Obuasi and Konongo all in the forest zone. Akwatia and Bibiani however, were the only mining towns that declined over the period. Akwatia, Ghana's largest diamond producing town as far back in the 1950's slightly declined in population by 3.3 percent during the first inter censal period of Ghana. The diamond mine was then jointly owned by the United Kingdom and Ghana Governments. A change in the management of the company after Ghana's independence or depletion of the diamond might have resulted in a decrease in the mining output of the company which could in tum affect other commercial activities in the town and hence 31 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh population of the town during the period. Bibiani might have also declined in population during the period as a result of a drastic drop in the deposits of the minerals compelling some miners to migrate to other localities for higher production. Konongo, another old mining town had also recorded a low growth of population over the 10 year period. Fishing in the fresh water bodies and in the beaches also continue to influence population distribution in Ghana. Major towns along the Coast and the Volta Lake had experienced rapid population growth between 1960 and 1970 as a result of increased opportunities for fishing in the country. Notable among them are Elmina, Moree, Winneba and Saltpond which are all major fishing towns increased in population by 33, 32, 21 and 20 per cent respectively. Keta is another major fishing town in the country. According to Nukunya (1999), Keta which is noted for its large scale lagoon fishing, was the largest, not only in Anlo but also in the Ewe speaking Ghana. Besides being a port for small cargo ships, it is the commercial and administrative centre of the Anlo district and had large European stores, several Government offices and a large market which attracted traders and customers from all over Ghana, Togo and Dahomey in the early 1950's. Keta however, decreased by 13.6 percent between 1960 and 1970 due to the increasing menace of sea erosion as most youth continue to migrate out of the town for better job opportunities in the cities of Accra, Kumasi and Tema. Anloga, the traditional capital of Anlo, grew by 27 percents during the same period at the expense ofKeta. Techiman and Vendi are Ghanaian towns with major market centres in the 1960s. Techiman whose population was 8,755 in 1960 increased to 12,068 in 1970 - an increase of 37.8 percent within the period. This increase might be as a result of growth of a large market centre that trades in agricultural products such as yam, maize, cassava and groundnut which were largely cultivated in rural settlements around Techiman. Dzodze and Bawku can also be sited as towns whose population growths were largely influenced 32 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh by the trading activities along their borders. For instance, Dzodze with a population less than 6,000 in 1960 grew to almost 11,000 in 1970. Tema, an industrial satellite township planned by Doxiades and Associates also grew in the wake of independence. Coupled with industrial growth and development, a good natural port and fishing harbour and as a nucleus for local industries, Tema also became a primary destination for Ghana's internal migrants resulting in population increase of 15,000 in 1960 to 61,000 in 1970 - an increase of over 300 percent. Ashiaman and Tema New Town which were old settlements around Tema township, increased tremendously mainly as a result of population pressure on Tema as majority of the casual workers of the harbour and other industrial companies in Tema were accomodated in these rural settlements. Ashiaman for instance, which was regarded as a squatter settlement due to its unplanned nature grew from less than 3,000 in 1960 to little over 22,000 in 1970 - an increase of over 750 percent. The total population of the above dormitory towns increases from 20,453 in 1960 to 66,371 in 1970 and represent 3.3 percent of the total population of all the towns with 10,000 or more people in 1970. New Takoradi, which was not in existence at all in 1960 grew drastically to a little over 10,000 in 1970.This town emerged as a residential area for the workers of the harbour and the industrial city of Takoradi. The growth of New Takoradi might be as a result of overcrowding in the industrial and regional capital. Effia-Kuma which is situated between Sekondi and Takoradi also almost doubled in size between 1960 and 1970 not only due to overcrowding in the twin city, but also probably as a result of lack of land for building in Sekondi due to sea erosion. Consequently, the population of Sekondi declined by 2.3 percent during the inter censal period. 33 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Table 2.2 Ponulation Growth of Ghanaian Towns and Reasons for Growth' , 1960 - 1970 Reasons for Growth ITowns Population Percentage Increase Administrative 1960 1970 1960 -1970 Accra 347,815 678,595 95.1 Bolgatanga 5,515 18,896 242.6 Cape Coast 41,230 56,601 37.3 Ho 14,519 24,199 66.7 Koforidua 29,849 46,235 54.9 Kumasi 180,642 256,781 42.1 Sekondi 34,513 33,713 -2.3 Sunyani 12,160 23,780 95.6 Tamale 40,443 98,514 143.6 Wa 14,342 17,825 24.3 TOTAL 721,028 1,255,139 74.1 Azriculture Agogo 10,356 14,710 42.0 Agona Swedru 18,293 21,522 17.7 Anloga 11,038 14,032 27.1 Asamankese 16,718 16,905 1.1 Begoro 9,289 11,043 18.9 Bekwai 9,093 11,287 24.1 Berekum 11,148 14,296 28.2 Ejura 7,078 10,664 50.7 Hohoe 9,502 14,775 55.5 Kpando 8,070 12,842 59.1 Mampong 7,943 13,895 74.9 Navrongo 5,543 11,031 99.0 NewTafo 10,557 1l,114 5.3 Nkawkaw 15,627 23.219 48.6 Nsawam 20,242 25,518 26.1 Nyaakrom 13,467 11,252 -16.4 Suhurn 10,193 12,421 21.9 Wenchi 10,672 13,836 29.6 TOTAL 204,829 241,166 17.7 Mininz Akwatia 12,592 12,177 -3.3 Bibiani 12,942 9,691 -25.1 Dunkwa-on-Offin 12,689 15,437 21.7 Konongo 10,771 10,881 1.0 Obuasi 22,818 31,007 35.9 Oda 19,666 20,957 6.6 Prestea 13,246 15;143 14.3 Tarkwa 13,545 14,702 8.5 118,269 129,995 9.9 Fishins Elmina 8,534 11,401 33.6 Keta 16,719 14,446 -13.6 Moree 7,634 10,088 32.1 Saltpond 9,869 11,849 20.1 Winneba 25,376 30,778 21.3 TOTAL 68,132 78,562 15.3 34 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Market Centre 1960 1970 1960-1970 Techirnan 8,755 12,068 37.8 Yendi 16,096 22,072 37.1 TOTAL 24,851 34,140 37.4 Border towns Bawku 12,719 20,567 61.7 Dzodze 5,776 10,390 79.9 TOTAL 18,495 30,957 67.4 Dormitorv towns Ashiaman 2,624 22,549 759.3 Effia-kuma 10,167 20,182 98.5 New Takoradi - 10,464 - Tema New Town 7,662 13,176 72.0 TOTAL 20,453 66,371 224.5 Harbour Takoradi 40,937 58,161 40.1 Tema 14,937 60,767 306.8 TOTAL 55,874 118,928 112.8 GRAND TOTAL 1,231,931 1,955,258 58.7 Source: Derived from 1960 and 1970 Population Census Reports of Ghana. Fig 2.6 Population Growth of Administrative Towns Between 1960 and 1970 800,000 600,000 Q) .~ 500,000 c g 400,000 ..!!! ::s g. 300,000 o, 200,000 100,000 ~o Towns 35 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Fig 2.7 Population Growth of Agricultural Towns Between 1960 and 1970 30,000 ,- - - 1 i 25,000 - 1>- 1- '~ ~ I. ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ~ ~ /, ~ I ~ I: ~ 0 ~ .- ~ I" '/ I I'. ~ I'. Towns Fig 2.8 Population Growth of Fishing Towns Between 1960 and 1970 35,000 , I 30,000 +-----------------------------------------------------------------..•-..•.-•..1•..~~' •••• < ,::::' I 25,000 -I--------------------------------------r----..,·mn---1 ' ...' ",<::- 'I> ~",<::- f:>'O 0'" ~O 4'''' ;;.~ q*-"'<'; !'!P'~ ~e ~"'~ ~~ "e 4.e~ O~ <:)'11' *-q'li' ~" ~~ "o" Towns 67 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 4.6 Growth of Dormitory Towns in Ghana between 1984 and 2000 Table 4.4 below reveals the group of Ghanaian town that grew between 1984 and 2000 possibly as a result of population pressure from the large cities of Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Sekondi- Takoradi. Ashiaman and Madina, both of which are listed among the first 11 largest localities in the country in 2000, resulted from population pressures from Tema and Accra respectively. Ashanti Mampong, Juaben and Ejisu, all of which are currently municipal administrative capitals might have also increased rapidly due to population pressure from Kumasi city. Effia-Kuma, a suburb of Sekondi-Takoradi equally increased drastically over the period. Apart from the above mentioned towns under the spill-over effect, the rest of the towns listed under the same reason are suburbs of Accra most of which are not even in the existence in the ]960s and the 1970s. New areas such as Chantan, Santa Maria, Sowutoum, Awoshie and Taifa which as at the 1960s were unknown have opened up as a result of the continuous rise in population of Accra. Awoshie for instance, increase from 105 in 1984 to 15,738 in 2000 while Taifa grew from 1,009 to 26,145 over the same period. Other settlements like Amanfrom, Adenta West, Dome Gbawe Ofankor, Anyaa, Ashaley Botswe and Lashibi, which were sparsely populated in the 1970s and 1980s, have experienced rapid increase in population as at 2000. For example, Anyaa's population of39 in 1984 roe to 15,738 whiles Lashibi and Gbawe rose from 507 and 837 in ]984 to 30,193 and 28,989 respectively in 2000. The possible factors that might account for these high rates of population increases in these towns could be the population pressure in Accra which results into spill-over, the continuous rise in the price of the few available land as well as the high 68 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh cost of rent in the city centre. Inadequate accommodation for the large chunk of migrant workers in Accra compelled most people to move and settle in these towns where building plots are comparatively cheaper and hence abnormal percentage increase in population of these towns. Table 4.4 Population Growth of Dormitory Towns: 1984 - 2000 Reasons for Growth /Towns Population Percentage Increase Dormitory Towns 1984 2000 1984 - 2000 Adenta East - 31,070 - Adenta West 587 12,559 2039.5 Amanfrom 293 12,803 4269.6 Anyaa 39 15,738 40253.8 Ashaley Botswe 4-4-0 11,974- 2621.4- Ashiaman 50,918 150,312 195.2 Atimaum 1,223 14,017 1148.2 Awoshie 105 19,890 18842.9 Chantan - 13,585 - Dome 1,954 29,618 1415.8 Effia-Kuma 23,796 34,307 44.2 Ejisu 5,133 10,923 112.8 Gbawe 837 28,989 3363.4 Juaben 7,658 11,425 49.2 Kpone 6,933 11,230 62.0 Kwesimintsirn 13,854 20,024 44.6 Lashibi 507 30,193 5855.2 Madina 28,364 76,697 170.4 Mampong 20,228 31,740 56.9 Ofankor 1,649 16,177 881 Pokuase 2,527 10,858 329.7 Sakumono 1,386 20,172 1355.4 SantaMaria - 10,775 - Sowutuom - 12,520 - Taifa 1,009 26,145 2491.2 TOTAL 169,440 663,741 291.7 Source: Derived/rom 1984 and 2000 Population Census Reports of Ghana. 69 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Fig 4.7 Population Growth of Dormitory Towns in Accra Between 1984 and 2000 160000 - 1 , 140000 ,, I "" 120000 .",,, , Q) I~; .!::! II) 100000 c: " 0 :;:; 80000 I~, ~ :a::l. 60000 _. I.: ,a ,,, ,,a0.. " 40000 HIP~,~ . , ,. , R' I:, 20000 . I~ I!I 11[ Dt "I'N~' 'IIIn If '1t1f11 H I~: ~ ,. :, ' " I~ 1 lj,0 ');I ,1111 _rn~ ~I filI' Towns 4.7 Growth of Border, Harbour and Industrial Towns in Ghana, 1984-2000 Tema and Tema New Town both of which are harbour and industrial towns continue to be primary destination for the country's internal migration resulting in population increase in the two towns. Takoradi, another harbour town however decreases from 61,500 to 54,700 over the period probably due to the dying nature of the port and the harbour. The growth of New Takoradi, Shama and Effia-Kuma might also be at the expense of the industrial city of Takoradi. The growth of Juapong from little over 5,000 to 13,000 between 1984 and 2000 could be attributed to the revamping of Juapong Textiles Company which attracted a lot of workers with implied commercial activities to the town during the period. Akosombo and Kpong grew as a result of the construction of Volta dam at Akosombo with its power generating sub-station at Kpong. Komenda, a 70 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh district administrative capital and sugar manufacturing town also joined the threshold of 10,000 or more in 2000. Trading activities along the border towns of the country could be cited as an important factor for the continuous growth of towns like Aflao, Bawku and Dzodze. Elubo, a major transit and border town experienced a tremendous increase in population from less than 2,000 in 1984 to over 10,000 in 2000. A spectacular town of the central region, Buduburam, increases from as low as 40 people in 1984 to 18,700 in 2000 as a result of location of Liberia refugee camp in the town. Table 4.5 Population Growth of Border, Harbour and Industrial Towns: 1984 - 2000 Reasons for Growth ITowns Population Percentage Increase Border 1984 2000 1984-2000 Aflao 20,904 38,927 86.2 Bawku 34,074 51,379 50.8 Dzodze 14,174 18,957 33.7 Elubo 1,984 10,428 425.6 TOTAL 71,136 119,691 68.3 HarbourlIndustrial Akosombo 9,820 14,429 46.9 Juapong 5,699 13,103 129.9 Komenda 5,287 12,278 132.2 Kpong 7,435 14,725 98.0 Takoradi 61,484 54,772 -10.9 Tema 100,052 141,479 41.4 Tema New Town 31,466 58,786 86.8 TOTAL 221,243 309,572 39.9 Refugees Budubburan 40 18,713 46682.5 Source: Derived from 1984 and 2000 Population Census Reports a/Ghana. 71 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Fig 4.8 Population Growth of Border and Industrial Towns Between 1'984 and 2000 160,000 1 j 140,000 ·••• 120,000 ••· CI) I N •·• i 'iii 100,000 - ,>.... I c: + ! .2 .•!i! 80,000 ,+·. :a:J. 0 60,000 I :~~ , .,'ty. I:~ .:. . r Q. r;s · .;+.' 40,000 H•. ':.', •... . :.4;1-- ~·:~ .',.+..,' ".'.: r- ::;120,000 If ·:~f- ••••• ••·• m ' > •. _ffi rlTIl ~ . rE!1 rm,• :··I-- >!f- >•.,• • >•. >..+-(; ·~t0 >.'' lIT Towns 72 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Summary The focus of the study was to investigate the pattern of growth of Ghanaian Towns over the period 1960 to 2000. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the plausible reasons underlying the increase or the decrease of selected towns in the country with population of 10,000 or more people as reported in the 1960, 1970, 1984 and 2000 Population Census Reports. Emphasis is on the growth patterns of the selected towns for each of the three inter-censal periods of the country. The work is also designed to identify the impact of natural resource utilization as well as the economic and political reforms of the country on the pattern of population distribution in Ghana. Finally, it is of prime interest of this paper to identify the key determinants of population distribution in the country and to make suggestions and policy recommendations that are likely to promote an even population distribution in the country. The process and patterns of population distribution today have their roots in the past historical and socio-economic development trends based on the availability of resources. Available related literature on the subject indicates that, early contact with Europe and later colonial rule which led to the introduction of cash crops, mining, modern commerce and improved transportation net-work made areas in the southern sector of Ghana more densely populated than the northern sector. Increased agricultural activities in most towns like Berekum, Wenchi, Nkawkaw, Nyaakrom and Agona Swedru just to mention a few, largely accounts for the upsurge in their population numbers. (Nabila, 1992). It is thus, the movement of farmers to the relatively new agricultural areas 73 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh which will continue to determine the pattern of population densities in the towns. Introduction of cocoa production in Ghana for instance, completely changed the agricultural landscape of such towns like Mampong, Aburi, Asamankese, Akomadam, Akim Abuakwa and Kenten in the forest belt and hence created a new economic impetus which set in motion, significant shift in population distribution. Nabila 1992, in his work on Population Distribution and Resource Utilization in Ghana, stated that, construction of roads, railway lines and ports or harbours to facilitate effective exploitation of resources as well as promote economic development has also influenced population distribution in Ghana. Railway lines and roads which were built to ensure maximum exploitation of such precious minerals (gold, diamonds, manganese and bauxite), cocoa and other cash crops, affected patterns of Ghanaian towns either through the establishment of new settlements along the railway lines or in the promotion of rapid population growth of existing settlements through migration. As already noted, population is generally very dense within the Kumasi-Accra-Sekondi/Takoradi railway triangle. The growth of Sekondi- Takoradi and later Tema has largely been due to the construction of the harbours there. It is observed from the study that, individual or voluntary migration continue to be the major means by which population is re-distributed in the country. It is through this process that some towns have come to gain additional population from less advantaged ones. Acrra and Kumasi metropolis as well as all the regional administrative capitals are good examples of the advantaged towns with social amenities that attracts youths from the rural areas. Generally, it is the rural-urban type of mobility which accelerates urban growth in Ghana. However, the economic crisis of the latter 1970s and early 1980s 74 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh reduced the contribution of net-migration to urban growth since rural-urban migration reduced and some urban dwellers returned to the rural agricultural areas or left the country. From the study, one other important factor that has contributed immensely to the patterns of population distribution in Ghanaian towns is the country's Decentralization policy. The country's decentralization policy that has created growth centres as district capitals has brought in its wake, towns of attraction with their "pull" factors. The selected district capitals most of which were hitherto been small towns with agriculture activities became places of population concentration within the neighbourhood. This is due to the fact that migration of the youths to the so called, "big" cities in search of job opportunities and to enjoy city amenities drastically reduced. Such towns like Akatsi, Atebubu, Duayaw Nkwanta, Half Assini, Dormaa Ahenkro, Asankrangwa, Gushiegu, Zabzugu and Sampa all of which are district administrative capitals created in 1988 under the decentralization policy reform have grown over the years as a result of improvement in their basic amenities and infrastructure. It is worth noting however that, the pronatalist attitudes of many Ghanaians for a long time made the contribution of natural population increase high and this affected both the rural and urban populations of the country. In addition, the population of urban towns will continue to grow higher than the rural settlements as more of the urban residents settled down and contribute their fertility to the urban growth. 75 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 5.2 Conclusions In general, internal migration m Ghana flows in all directions but the more urbanized towns with much infrastructure developments and job opportunities as found in regional administrative capitals, mining towns, industrial areas as well as commercial towns continue to attract a more proportionate share of the migrants. Major differences in urban functions such as administrative, commercial, manufacturing, construction services, transport and communication, agriculture and mining as well as educational institutions in the various large towns have to a large extent been responsible for the different rates of urbanization and growth of towns in the country. This is clearly indicated in the large disparity between the population of the first largest town (Accra) and the twentieth largest towns (Nkawkaw); and even between the two largest towns (Accra and Kumasi) and the third largest (Tamale) as at 2000. The population of Accra has been 39 times as large as Nkawkaw and 8 times that of Tamale. 5.3 Recommendations Even though data on migration were lacking, migration of most people especially the youth from other parts of the country in search of jobs plays a major role in influencing the population of the country especially the few satellite/dormitory towns of Accra- Tema, Kumasi and Sekondi- Takoradi. The government and stakeholders need to provide a counter rapid urbanization scheme in the country. This could include opening of more job opportunities especially in the rural areas to reduce the extent of migration into Accra and its environs as a way of easing the population pressure. 76 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh There is also an urgent need of counter migration and urbanization scheme in the oil found localities of the country, as the flow of migration in the country might change soon towards the oil deposit localities. Besides, the three components of population change especially migration, should be studied critically to enable the government know the direction and flow of the people. This will make it clear to know the problems existing in both sending and receiving areas for appropriate measures to be taken both at the natural and local levels. In addition, the government should revisit the idea of establishing satellite towns as it was done in the 1960s so as to absorb the large proportion of migrants. This will help decongest the city centres which have been grapping with rapid population growth and the limited available resources. Infrastructure development in the rural areas should also be given priority as a counter- urbanization scheme. Indeed, one of the apparent reasons why people leave the rural areas is lack of basic social amenities like schools, hospitals, electricity, recreational facilities and communication. It is hoped that this measures when well planned and executed, will reverse the rural-urban migration. While recommending that rural areas attract urgent attention, problems confronting the urban centres should be given equal consideration. Rural development programmes must widen the scope of development to bring within it, the agricultural problems and also address it to those needs such as provision of social amenities like health facilities, road networks, electricity and provision of potable drinking water which the rural folks urgently need. 77 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh REFERENCES Abdulai, A. (1999) "International Migration and Agricultural Development in Ghana" Scandinavian Journal of Development Alternatives. 18( 1). Adepoju, A.(1987) "A UN African Population Dynamics: Internal Migration and Regional Development in Africa." RIPS Monograph series No.2. University of Ghana, Legon. Anarfi, lK et a1.(2005) " Migration from and to Ghana: A Background Paper". Development Research Centre on Migration, Globalization and Poverty. University of Sussex, Brighton. Anarfi, lK. (1982) "International Labour Migration in West Africa: A case Study of Ghanaian Migrants in Lagos, Nigeria, Accra. 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