Public engagement in spatial planning: Statutory requirements, practices and challenges

Abstract

Spatial planning is about people, and as such, the success of the activity depends partly on how well it deals with the varying interests, views, preferences and aspirations of individuals, groups, communities and businesses. This chapter focuses on public engagement in spatial planning in Ghana. It discusses public engagement and its value from the perspective of the normative theories of planning. Building on the theoretical foundations, public participation in practice is examined, identifying the statutory requirements for stakeholder engagement as well as the procedures and methods adopted to involve stakeholders in spatial planning. The theory-practice gap and the shortcomings of current approaches used for stakeholder engagement in Ghana are identified. Ways of improving on current practices, including the prospects of leveraging ICT to access citizens’ vision of transformation are discussed.