Scholarlink

<p>Sports infrastructure is a major driver for socio-economic development in Ghana, yet its spatial distribution often reflects and reinforces existing inequalities. This study investigates the spatial patterns, political determinants, and equity implications of national sports stadium allocation in Ghana. Specifically, the research focuses on the five major national stadia in Ghana namely the Baba Yara (Kumasi), Accra Sports Stadium (Accra), Essipong (Sekondi-Takoradi), Aliu Mahama (Tamale), and Cape Coast Sports Stadium. Employing a mixed-methods design, the researchers integrate GIS-based spatial analysis, Origin-Destination (OD) cost matrix modelling, Lorenz Curve and Gini coefficient estimation, and Global Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation testing, alongside purposive interviews with 114 sports sector stakeholders. Results reveal severe distributional inequities: travel-time disparities between best- and worst-served areas exceed 1,000 minutes, a Gini coefficient of 0.30 indicates moderate spatial inequality, and a statistically significant Global Moran’s I (I = 0.41, Z = 3.12, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) confirms systematic clustering of accessibility deprivation. Qualitative evidence further demonstrates that political patronage, electoral visibility incentives, and the systematic exclusion of stakeholders from siting processes operate as mutually reinforcing institutional dynamics driving this inequity. These findings challenge the prevailing assumption that limited capital is the primary constraint on equitable infrastructure provision. Instead, this research highlights the centrality of governance structures in shaping distributional outcomes. This study advances theoretical understanding of the political economy of public infrastructure and offers actionable implications for equity-oriented sports planning policy in sub-Saharan Africa and comparable lower-middle-income contexts.</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

Mapping the uneven landscape: a spatial analysis of national sports stadium distribution in Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月8日

查看全文
  • Kelvin Owusu Ansah-Opoku,
  • Stephen Appiah Takyi,
  • Owusu Amponsah,
  • Obed Anogyine Akolgo,
  • Godfred Owusu

摘要

Sports infrastructure is a major driver for socio-economic development in Ghana, yet its spatial distribution often reflects and reinforces existing inequalities. This study investigates the spatial patterns, political determinants, and equity implications of national sports stadium allocation in Ghana. Specifically, the research focuses on the five major national stadia in Ghana namely the Baba Yara (Kumasi), Accra Sports Stadium (Accra), Essipong (Sekondi-Takoradi), Aliu Mahama (Tamale), and Cape Coast Sports Stadium. Employing a mixed-methods design, the researchers integrate GIS-based spatial analysis, Origin-Destination (OD) cost matrix modelling, Lorenz Curve and Gini coefficient estimation, and Global Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation testing, alongside purposive interviews with 114 sports sector stakeholders. Results reveal severe distributional inequities: travel-time disparities between best- and worst-served areas exceed 1,000 minutes, a Gini coefficient of 0.30 indicates moderate spatial inequality, and a statistically significant Global Moran’s I (I = 0.41, Z = 3.12, p < 0.01) confirms systematic clustering of accessibility deprivation. Qualitative evidence further demonstrates that political patronage, electoral visibility incentives, and the systematic exclusion of stakeholders from siting processes operate as mutually reinforcing institutional dynamics driving this inequity. These findings challenge the prevailing assumption that limited capital is the primary constraint on equitable infrastructure provision. Instead, this research highlights the centrality of governance structures in shaping distributional outcomes. This study advances theoretical understanding of the political economy of public infrastructure and offers actionable implications for equity-oriented sports planning policy in sub-Saharan Africa and comparable lower-middle-income contexts.