Dimensions of spatial inequalities in Ghanaian cities

Abstract

In many African countries, spatial inequalities in the provision and distribution of social services can be explained by a myriad of factors including the development approaches adopted in their colonial history. This paper explores the spatial inequality among cities in Northern and Southern Ghana as evident in the availability of infrastructural facilities such as health, education, telecommunication, and potable water. Using secondary data from various government documents, the paper sought to explain the contours of spatial inequality among six major and strategically located cities in Ghana-three each in northern and southern parts of the country. The paper uses Lorenz curve as the main technique in establishing spatial inequalities among the selected cities. The paper reveals that provision of and access to schools, hospitals and other social services tend to favour the southern parts of the country hence influencing the spatial distribution of population. This dichotomy took its roots from the colonial administration, which favoured the development of the mineral rich parts of Ghana to serve the interests of their metropolitan markets. Unfortunately, this skewed spatial development approach has been perpetuated by all post-independence governments due to their subtle but continuous dependence on their colonial masters. The paper recommended investments in intermediate settlements in the three northern regions to serve as service centres to stimulate the development of Northern Ghana.