Do not Impress the World, Impress Your People: A Study on the Role of Luxury Real Estate and Gated Communities on the Disparity Within Accra’s Urban Population.

Luxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban population of Accra, Ghana. This thesis attempts to understand the historical past of Ghana and the post-colonial roots of current urban development that has led to an intense contest for urban space, inciting disparity and displacement within the city of Accra. An evaluation of policy and investment strategy is studied to understand the vision of the state and its steps towards realising it. Methods to do this include using theories and articles focussing on urban dynamics within and outside Accra that can be used to understand the complex web of issues that Accra’s urban poor is within the housing crisis. Case studies in neighbourhoods such as Nima are used to show concrete examples of the theoretical conclusions made. To prevent the progress of urban development from creating more disparity...Show moreLuxury for some, is a limitation for others – this is the inspiration of this paper which studies the role of luxury real estate and gated communities on the less fortunate within the urban population of Accra, Ghana. This thesis attempts to understand the historical past of Ghana and the post-colonial roots of current urban development that has led to an intense contest for urban space, inciting disparity and displacement within the city of Accra. An evaluation of policy and investment strategy is studied to understand the vision of the state and its steps towards realising it. Methods to do this include using theories and articles focussing on urban dynamics within and outside Accra that can be used to understand the complex web of issues that Accra’s urban poor is within the housing crisis. Case studies in neighbourhoods such as Nima are used to show concrete examples of the theoretical conclusions made. To prevent the progress of urban development from creating more disparity this paper suggests a change in the understanding of current policy and development strategies by focussing on the colonial and cultural heritage of current urban developments. In addition, reforming policy that prioritise the urban poor, avoiding pitfalls of pilot studies and past attempts in providing adequate housing for the less fortunate. In conclusion, to change the future of this current crisis in urban development there is a need to take two steps back to set one better step forward.Show less

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Do not Impress the World, Impress Your People: A Study on the Role of Luxury Real Estate and Gated Communities on the Disparity Within Accra’s Urban Population.