Urban Green Space and Infrastructure in Ghana: Spatial Patterns, Planning Responses, and Institutional Governance

Ghana is experiencing rapid urban expansion, placing increasing pressure on urban green space (UGS) and urban green infrastructure (UGI). Despite recognition of their ecosystem service benefits, integration into statutory land use planning and governance systems remains limited. This study presents a systematic review and descriptive meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature on spatial patterns, planning responses, and institutional arrangements influencing UGS and UGI in Ghana. Using the PRISMA protocol, 39 studies were identified, with 10 Ghana-focused studies informing the primary analysis. Results reveal that UGS and UGI are spatially fragmented, inequitable, and declining under urban development pressure. Although statutory planning instruments such as the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (2016) exist, their implementation is constrained by weak enforcement, institutional fragmentation, and customary land governance systems. Institutional arrangements are characterised by overlapping mandates and limited coordination capacity. The study proposes an integrated governance framework linking spatial patterns, planning instruments, and institutional design, offering policy-relevant insights for improving urban sustainability planning in Ghana and comparable Global South contexts. Utilization of Fly Ash and Silica Sand Waste for Sustainable Construction: An Experimental Study Muhammad Reyhan Alvanda1*, Casy Almia Putri2, Monika Natalia3, Ilham Ahmad Syauki4 1,2,3,4Construction Engineering Management, Civil Engineering Departement, Politeknik Negeri Padang, Indonesia 1*muhammadreyhanalvanda@gmail.com The escalating global carbon emissions necessitate a transformation in the construction sector toward net-zero practices, specifically through the adoption of environmentally friendly materials. This study evaluates the feasibility of utilizing industrial by-products fly ash and waste silica sand as concrete constituents. Leveraging the pozzolanic properties of fly ash and the high silica content of waste silica sand, this research aims to partially substitute cement and fine aggregates to mitigate reliance on natural resources. The mix design was formulated in accor