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Accra’s June 3rd Floods: Looking Back to Move Forward

African UrbanismJuly 30, 2015October 15, 2016

The Urban Platform of Ghana is a network of professionals and enthusiasts with interests in urban development in Ghana’s cities and good urban development practices globally. The Platform brings together...

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Schools prepare for Independence Day, Ghana style [video]

African UrbanismMarch 5, 2014

As March 6th approaches, in schools all over the country, teachers and students prepare for the infamous Independence Day parades. A celebrated ritual of patriotism on national days, children file...

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On clean drinking water in Lagos: Many options, few solutions

African UrbanismAugust 7, 2012June 13, 2013

In Lagos, the systemic challenges facing urban water infrastructure affect each and everyone, from the wealthy oga in his corner office on Victoria Island to the impoverished beggar eking out his subsistence...

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In Accra, people and their bikes create a subculture

African UrbanismJune 24, 2012June 13, 2013

A 2010 World Bank study on Accra estimated that only 1 to 4 percent of people in the city ride bicycles, whether to work, to school, to shopping activities, or...

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Why we should stop talking about legalizing gay marriage and start talking about civil unions for all

African UrbanismMay 14, 2012April 10, 2014

This is an editorial and a notable detour from my usual urbanism-related articles. It was only a few days ago that American President Barack Obama made another first by declaring...

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On the long, long life of a plastic bag

African UrbanismMay 1, 2012June 13, 2013

I stumbled upon this greatly thought-provoking video on the longevity of plastic shopping bags ("rubbers"), pollution and environmental impacts. The video, aptly titled Plastic Bag, is a short biography; for...

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When It Comes to African Wax Prints, Buying Local, Thinking Global Isn’t As Easy As You Think

African UrbanismMarch 10, 2012June 9, 2013

GTP and ATL African wax prints on sale at Kaneshie Market, Accra, Ghana When many think of African fabrics, the first thing that comes to mind is wax prints: the brightly...