Rethinking the implications of sprawl for sustainable urban development: Insights from the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana between 2003 and 2023

Urban sprawl has been the focus of substantial academic discussion due to its intricate nature. The dominant narrative of this phenomenon, particularly in the global south, points to its adverse implications on cities, despite its positive outcomes. This study contributes to this discourse by examining the positive implications of sprawl — essentially spatial expansion and urban growth — from the perspectives of households and local planning officials within the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, satellite images were used to assess the nature and spatial extent of Ejisu Municipality between 2003 and 2023. Additionally, 500 households and four relevant agencies were interviewed to discuss the positive implications of sprawl on the area's development and suggest measures to promote sustainable urban sprawl and development. The results showed significant horizontal expansion in the built-up areas over the period - from 34.51 km² (16.6%) in 2003 to 44.92 km² (21.61%) in 2013 and 76.46 km² (36.78%) in 2023 with a projected increase to 100.80 km² in 2033. Macroeconomic factors, demography, housing preferences, transportation, and regulatory frameworks were reported to influence the nature and extent of sprawl. Sprawl was reported to have resulted in economic diversification and viability, improved quality of life, improved access to public services, affordable housing, and expanded road networks, among others. The study proposes implementing sustainable measures for urban sprawl, and effective land-use planning, coupled with the enforcement of well-designed regulatory frameworks.