A factor analysis of the key sustainability content underpinning green cities development in Ghana

Abstract Despite the growing importance of green cities and the contributions in literature, cities still face challenges such as poor planning, flooding, and slums especially in Africa including Ghana. Yet, no study has investigated the sustainability content required to develop green cities in Ghana. In view of this, the primary aim of this study is to explore the key sustainability content underpinning green cities development in Ghana. In using the quantitative design, 20 variables were identified from a comprehensive literature review, and a quantitative survey was performed with 154 professionals with green cities development experience. Based on descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis, four major categories were developed namely, sustainable city planning, sustainable city management, integrative sustainable city design, and sustainable city and heritage preservation. This study provides insights into key green content for green cities development which will be useful to academia, industry practitioners, and policymakers. Although this study was limited in geographical scope to Ghana, the findings may apply to other cities in developing countries that share similar characteristics with Ghanaian cities.