From Green to Grey: Mapping Vegetation Loss, Institutional Gaps, and the Realities of Reforesting Dome, Accra in the Face of Climate Change

This research examines long-term changes in vegetation cover in Dome, a rapidly urbanizing area of Accra, Ghana, over the past three decades (1993–2024). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study identifies a substantial and continuous decline in vegetation, with the proportion of healthy vegetative cover decreasing from 30.48% in 1993 to 3.51% in 2024. This trend is attributed to rapid urban expansion, limited enforcement of policies aimed at protecting green spaces, and insufficient integration of sustainable urban planning principles. Reforestation initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project have so far had limited effectiveness, as urban development continues to expand at a faster rate than conservation efforts. The reduction in vegetation cover has implications for local biodiversity, microclimate regulation, and ecosystem service delivery, potentially increasing the area’s exposure to environmental stressors, including those linked to climate change. The study underscores the need for more integrated urban governance that incorporates enforceable legal frameworks for urban tree conservation, community-based reforestation strategies, and the promotion of climate-resilient infrastructure. Additionally, it calls for stronger collaboration among municipal authorities, environmental agencies, and local communities to promote sustainable urban development that safeguards remaining green spaces.