Managing Urban Waterbodies and Wetlands in Sunyani, Ghana

Abstract

The spatial scope of water bodies and wetlands, as well as their degradation and the effectiveness of institutional responses to their protection, remain poorly documented in Ghana. Using a case study of Sunyani, Ghana, this study draws on mixed methods to address two research objectives: (1) to identify and examine the status of water bodies and wetlands; and (2) to assess the effectiveness of management systems aimed at protecting these resources. The results show a shift from vegetative cover and waterbody land categories to built-up areas over the past two decades (2003–2023). In 2003, water covered 7.95% of the total area, but this declined sharply to 4.37% in 2013 and 2.79% in 2023. The study also found weak collaboration between stakeholders in the management of water resources, with little or no involvement from local communities. Addressing these challenges requires that Sunyani’s municipal government incorporate local knowledge and community experiences into their policies and programmes that protect water resources and wetlands. This approach could support a more sustainable urban environment that balances development with the preservation of essential ecosystems.