Accra’s Old Fadama/Agbogbloshie Settlement. To What Extent is This Slum Sustainable?

Slum conditions associated with squatter settlements pose major challenges in African cities. In the city of Accra, Ghana, municipal officials traditionally addressed squatter settlements through demolition and evictions. Despite these evictions, Old Fadama/Agbogbloshie, an illegal squatter settlement in Accra, continues to flourish. Within the context of sustainable principles, this study explores why this slum became embedded. Results are based on a survey of 100 slum residents, 20 city officials and 20 city opinion leaders. Findings suggest that community participation in concert with municipal authorities can potentially lead to slum improvements sensitive to the social and economic needs of residents