Exploring Houseowners Compliance with Urban Greenery Regulations in Madina, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract The transformation of natural landscapes due to ongoing urbanisation highlights the critical need for the presence and integration of vegetation within urban environments. Although the benefits of urban greenery, including biodiversity conservation, pollution mitigation, and reduction of urban heat island effects, are widely recognized, adherence to corresponding building regulations poses a significant challenge in many Global South countries, including Ghana. This study investigates the compliance with urban greenery regulations among houseowners in Madina, a rapidly urbanizing suburb of Accra, Ghana. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with houseowners (n = 200) with qualitative interviews (n = 8) to explore the levels of awareness and compliance among residential houseowners with the guidelines stipulated in the Ghana Building Regulations (LI 1630) and the Ghana Building Code 2018. Our findings reveal a significant gap between awareness of the benefits of urban greenery and actual compliance with the regulations designed to ensure its provision. Key factors contributing to non-compliance were socioeconomic pressures, such as the high cost of land and accommodation, and institutional barriers, including bureaucracy, weak enforcement, and insufficient resources. Furthermore, administrative and political challenges, such as corruption and a lack of support, exacerbate the situation. The study proposes targeted recommendations to enhance compliance rates, emphasizing the need for streamlined regulatory processes, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and increased awareness campaigns to highlight the critical importance of urban green spaces.