Urban development and secondary cities in Ghana: The case of Sunyani

The chapter discusses the dynamics of urban development and secondary cities in Ghana, with emphasis on Sunyani, a notable secondary city. The chapter shows that Sunyani's role as the district capital in the 1900s, coupled with the provision of transportation, health, educational and commercial services and infrastructure resulted in its growth as a secondary city. Decentralisation policy in Ghana has had mixed results: whilst it has promoted widespread participation, including by individuals and informal actors, in governance and service delivery and ensured the growth of secondary cities and other towns, it has failed to adequately ensure equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure. City authorities have largely failed to meet the increasing needs of their growing populations, resulting in the emergence of hybrid forms of provision, in which private, informal sector actors complement the efforts of formal sector agencies to meet water, sanitation, health and housing needs. The chapter also reveals how different actors influence the processes of urban growth. Based on its findings, several policy and planning recommendations are proffered. The chapter concludes that actors must fully realise secondary cities’ potential as catalysts for sustainable development and progress by addressing infrastructure deficiencies, encouraging inclusive growth and improving governance processes.