The impact of land use regulations on residential land values in the Wa municipality, Ghana

The living standards of the residents of an urban area are influenced, either positively or negatively, by land use regulation via its impact on land values. This paper examines the development control regime in Wa municipality, Ghana, and its implications for residential land values. The dual aim of the study was to find out whether developers are complying with the system of land use regulations in the municipality and also to document the state of enforcement by the planning authority. These aims were achieved through a review of the literature on development controls and by collating empirical data obtained from land developers. It was found that development controls are largely not enforced in Wa municipality. Delays were noted in the land use regulation system and the residents' image of the system was reported. It was also found that the land use ordinance and the building code are not consistent with the socio-economic state of the municipality's residents. It is concluded that these conditions have led to haphazard development and have impacted negatively on land values in the municipality. It is suggested that the Wa Municipal Assembly should ensure strict compliance with land use regulations and should also address the regulation-related problems. The paper recommends a revision of the building code and the town and country planning ordinance.