Speaker
Description
Urban renewal is increasingly extending from city centers to peripheral neighborhoods. Ayeduase, a suburb of Kumasi, has undergone rapid transformation over the past two decades, driven largely by the expanding student population of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This study examines the dynamics of gentrification in Ayeduase and their implications for residents, urban form, and planning practice. The research pursued four objectives: (i) to identify gentrification processes in Ayeduase; (ii) to assess impacts on land use and land values; (iii) to analyze socioeconomic consequences; and (iv) to evaluate implications for planning and governance. Drawing on interviews, field observations, land use maps, and GIS data (2005–2025), the study documents a shift from predominantly residential land to mixed-use and commercial development. Student hostels and retail outlets now dominate the landscape, accompanied by rising land prices. While some property owners have profited, many long-term residents have been displaced, eroding local identity and social cohesion. These outcomes are exacerbated by weak plan enforcement and a fragmented land administration system in which state institutions and traditional authorities operate with little coordination. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive and equitable planning strategies. Recommended interventions include the preparation of a locally grounded area plan, stronger alignment of land use regulation with affordable housing provision, and the active participation of traditional leaders and community members in decision-making. The study concludes that gentrification is not inherently detrimental but, if unmanaged, can promote economic growth at the expense of social justice and community stability. The Ayeduase case underscores the urgency for Ghanaian cities to adopt governance approaches that balance urban development with the rights and well-being of existing residents.