Work

Dark development: Satellite analysis of building density and electricity provision in Ghana’s urban areas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Energy infrastructure is increasingly accessible in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, significant disparities in energy access persist within cities, and little is known about their relationship with urban spatial planning. This study explores the spatial distribution of building density and its co-occurrence with electricity infrastructure in metropolitan cities across Ghana. Utilising Landsat satellite imagery, nighttime light imagery, and a deep learning algorithm, we uncover energy insufficiencies within high-density built environments in Ghanaian cities. Notably, 21% of the urban area in Kumasi, 9.6% in Tamale, 0.9% in Accra, and 0.5% in Sekondi-Takoradi exhibit high building density but limited electricity provision. This disparity is more prevalent in inland cities with single concentric layout configurations compared to coastal cities characterised by a polycentric high-density. Our findings provide insights into the energy-density relationship, offering a foundation for evidence-based urban policy development aimed at sustainable urban development and equitable access to electricity in Ghana and beyond.

Source: Remote Sensing Applications Society and Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.rsase.2025.101619

Authors: Jeffrey Blay, Karen C. Seto, Tzu-Hsin Karen Chen

Institutions: Yale University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Light on Environment and Health

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Affordable and clean energy, Reduced inequalities, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,640