Understanding People’s Motives for visiting Public Green Spaces in Accra to aid the Development of Urban Greenery in Ghana

Abstract

In the recent past, the empirical evidence of the potential benefits urbanites derive from the use of urban green space has received increased attention.  However, not much research has been done on the use of urban green areas, especially in developing African countries like Ghana.  This paper determines the motives of the public for visiting urban green spaces and the factors that influence their perception of the quality of urban natural areas in Ghana, using Accra, the capital city of Ghana, as the case study.  The questionnaire method was used for the collection of quantitative data from the public.  The findings revealed “socialising”, “mental wellbeing or restitution” and “spirituality” as the significant motives of residents for the usage of green spaces in Accra.  The results further show that the key factors that influence the public’s perception of the quality and utilisation of green spaces in Accra are the spaces’ physical features, conditions of facilities, sanitation and security concerns.  The outcome of the research revealed a thought-provoking perspective for future research on “spirituality” as significant users’ motivation for visiting urban green spaces since the “spirituality” factor is deficient in literature. The findings from this study are critical for policy-makers, urban designers and landscape architects to understand the vital motives of users and the factors that influence the use of green spaces, to improve the development and management of urban green areas in Ghana and other developing countries.

Keywords: Urban Green Space, motives, greenery, Accra, Ghana

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-8-08

Publication date:August 31^st 2020