Scholarlink

<p>“Containerisation”, the use of temporary fabricated metal structures or shipping containers for the construction of shops is a common spectacle of urban development in Ghana. These container shops offer livelihood opportunities for city residents while posing challenges for aesthetics, governance, legibility and resilience. Using mixed methods design, data was collected from 310 container shop owners and municipal officials through surveys and key informant interviews. The study highlights the dual role of containerisation: contributing to economic vibrancy and supporting livelihoods on the one hand, and on the other hand compromising spatial order, urban legibility, and disaster management, especially when structures are poorly sited. Additionally, the Sunyani Municipal Assembly faces two dilemmas in managing this phenomenon: balancing economic benefits; against the need for urban aesthetic appeal. The study underscores the importance of integrating informal structures into urban planning systems to enhance resilience, aesthetics, and governance. Policy recommendations include a comprehensive assessment of the siting of container shops, improved permitting processes, and strategies to regularise their operations.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Temporary Structures, Permanent Challenges: ‘Containerisation’ and Urban Governance in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月13日

查看全文
  • David Anaafo,
  • Ricky Yao Nutsugbodo,
  • George Kwadwo Anane,
  • Edna Agyepong,
  • Daniel Najah Koomson

摘要

“Containerisation”, the use of temporary fabricated metal structures or shipping containers for the construction of shops is a common spectacle of urban development in Ghana. These container shops offer livelihood opportunities for city residents while posing challenges for aesthetics, governance, legibility and resilience. Using mixed methods design, data was collected from 310 container shop owners and municipal officials through surveys and key informant interviews. The study highlights the dual role of containerisation: contributing to economic vibrancy and supporting livelihoods on the one hand, and on the other hand compromising spatial order, urban legibility, and disaster management, especially when structures are poorly sited. Additionally, the Sunyani Municipal Assembly faces two dilemmas in managing this phenomenon: balancing economic benefits; against the need for urban aesthetic appeal. The study underscores the importance of integrating informal structures into urban planning systems to enhance resilience, aesthetics, and governance. Policy recommendations include a comprehensive assessment of the siting of container shops, improved permitting processes, and strategies to regularise their operations.