Background:Social support networks for older persons have been related to health outcomes including differences in psychological wellbeing (PWB). However, the specifics of this relationship remain unclear especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the (1) relationship between aspects of social support and PWB among older persons in Ghana and (2) the extent to which this relationship is moderated by their education levels and locational characteristics.Method:The study included 1,200 community-residing individuals aged 50 years and older who participated in an Aging, Health, Psychological Wellbeing and Health-seeking Behavior Study (AHPWHB) conducted between July 2016 and February 2017. Logistic regression models evaluated the associations of social support and their interactions with education and locational variables in PWB.Results:Several aspects of meaningful social support: family/friends contacts ( β = 0.958, p < 0.05), couple focused ( β = 0.887, p < 0.001), emotional bonds ( β = 0.658, p < 0.005), attending social events ( β = 0.519, p < 0.001) and remittances from children ( β = 0.394, p < 0.005) significantly related to improved PWB in later life. These associations remained robust and largely strengthened after accounting for respondents’ background and health-related factors. Education and locational characteristics substantially influenced the associations between social support and PWB.Conclusion:These findings suggest that especially in terms of PWB, aspects of meaningful social support networks are critical elements in later life. Strengthening opportunities for closer interpersonal relations with older persons may enhance their mental health, quality of life and independence.

The paper examines agricultural livelihood effects of urban sprawl and farmers' response in peri-urban Kumasi, Ghana, involving in-depth interviews with sixty farmers (n = 60) and four key informants (n = 4). Greater Kumasi has expanded spatially over time resulting in arable land reduction in the peri-urban interface and affecting households in varying ways. This has evoked different responses from affected farmers including agricultural intensification, extensification, diversification and adoption of off-farm livelihood strategies. While some households made livelihood gains in their response, and some livelihood losses, others neither gained nor lost. A mix of livelihood assets, but more importantly human and social capital, were identified as key determinants of the outcomes of households’ livelihood strategies employed. To protect arable land from urban encroachment and reduce peri-urban households’ vulnerabilities the following policy interventions are noteworthy: effective spatial planning through institutional strengthening, legislative enforcement and widening market for agricultural goods and expanding non-farm jobs.

This paper examines the struggle for existence of contrasting spaces within an urban milieu drawing on experiences from Ghana. By analysing remotely sensed images and review of relevant literature, the dynamics of change in the urban green–grey landscape were examined. While the grey (impermeable) space has increased from 23.3% to 77.6% between 1986 and 2016, green (permeable) space has declined from 76.7% to 24.4% within the same period. Rapidly growing and sprawling city, operating within a weak institutional framework, underlies the changes in land use/land cover in the Metropolis. This trend poses potential socio-environmental threat to the immediate city environment and even beyond. We recommend prioritising greening of the city by Kumasi Metropolitan Authority with the involvement and support of all stakeholders. This demands public education and effective functioning of institutions through adequate resourcing, collaboration and coordination within the broad framework of the new Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925).

Pulled in or pushed out? Understanding the complexities of motivation for alternative therapies use in Ghana

This study examines the effects of urbanisation in three peri-urban communities in Kumasi. Structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions are used as data collection tools. The study reveals that urbanisation has presented constraints and opportunities to the peri-urban communities. Peri-urbanism has led to agricultural land use giving way to residential land use, with a reduction in population engaged in agriculture. As arable land reduces, agriculture as a source of livelihood has diminished. While agriculture has declined and is in the process of being modified, new livelihood types have evolved. Overall, peri-urbanism has been a blessing, affecting livelihoods positively. The study recommends a speedy implementation of the urban policy which is at the draft stage. Promoting vertical development to protect prime agricultural lands and avert dangers of food insecurity is the way forward. To succeed however, peri-urban dwellers, urban developers and planners, city authorities, traditional rulers and all stake holders must come on-board.