article · Cogent Social Sciences
This study investigated how demographic characteristics and social environments contribute to violent crime in Ghana's Greater Accra Region, guided by Social Disorganisation Theory. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers integrated survey data from 364 respondents with qualitative interviews involving community members and law enforcement. Findings indicate that violent crime is concentrated among young and middle-aged males with lower education and those in delinquent peer networks. Factors like crime exposure, unemployment, weak family support, limited social services, and neighbourhood disorganisation increased vulnerability. Qualitative insights revealed the impact of peer influence, economic marginalisation, and weakened community controls. Spatial concentrations were noted in urban hotspots, highlighting the need for integrated interventions.
Understanding the specific demographic and social factors driving violent crime in rapidly urbanising African cities is crucial. This research provides evidence-based insights into who is most affected and why, enabling the development of more effective and targeted interventions to improve community safety and well-being.
This research provides foundational insights for developing targeted social programmes and crime prevention strategies. Potential users include government agencies, urban planners, non-governmental organisations, and community leaders involved in public safety and youth development. The findings are at an applied research stage, offering evidence to inform the design and implementation of integrated interventions focused on youth employment, education, and community engagement in high-risk urban communities.
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Violent crime remains a major social challenge in rapidly urbanising African cities, yet limited empirical research has examined how demographic characteristics interact with social environments to shape violence. Guided by Social Disorganisation Theory, this study examines demographic and social factors associated with violent crime in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, survey data from 364 respondents were integrated with qualitative interviews involving community residents, community and religious leaders, and law enforcement personnel. Findings show that violent crime was disproportionately concentrated among young and middle-aged males, individuals with lower educational attainment, and those embedded in delinquent peer networks. Crime exposure, prolonged unemployment, weak family support, limited access to social services, and neighbourhood disorganisation further heightened vulnerability. Qualitative findings revealed how peer influence, economic marginalisation, fear of victimisation, and weakened community controls shaped participation in and perceptions of violence. Spatial concentrations were identified in urban hotspots, including Ashaiman, Accra Circle, and Madina. The findings demonstrate that violent crime reflects the interaction between demographic vulnerabilities and adverse social conditions, highlighting the need for integrated interventions focused on youth employment, education, community engagement, and targeted crime prevention in high-risk urban communities.
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DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2026.2717892
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