Abstract:
This paper questions the preparedness of Ghanaian politicians for the 2010 urban `explosion¿ in Ghana. It reveals that urban policy in Ghana is overly focussed on curbing the symptoms of urban problems while leaving the structural causes of the problems intact. Physical beautification of cities and `bright light¿ ideas have taken precedence over policies that address the political economy of land, poverty and inequality. Although Ghana has a reputation for relatively good governance, this evidence on the limits to urban policies suggests that there are severe limits to the effectiveness of urban policies as a means of meeting social needs and redressing urban inequalities
