Ghanaian scholar strives for green space equity to promote environmental justice

A Ghanaian scholar is spearheading efforts to address green space inequities in cities in the United States, offering innovative insights into one of the most pressing challenges of environmental justice.

While this research primarily focuses on the U.S., insights are highly relevant to Ghana’s rapidly urbanizing cities. By bridging global research and local application, this research is contributing to the development of policies and strategies that promote environmental justice and sustainable urban growth in Ghana.

Meet Rexford Osei Owusu, a dedicated researcher who is breaking new ground in the pursuit of equitable access to urban green spaces. Osei Owusu is from Ghana and is an alumnus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Osei Owusu laid the foundation for his impactful work in Ghana before advancing his expertise at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente, the Netherlands, where he earned his MSc. degree. Osei Owusu is now a Doctoral student in Metropolitan Planning, Policy, and Design at the University of Utah, USA, where he collaborates with leading scholars in urban planning and environmental justice.

Osei Owusu’s recent study, “What has contributed to green space inequities in U.S. cities? A narrative review”, co-authored with Dr. Alessandro Rigolon (an expert in environmental justice issues related to urban green spaces) and published in the Journal of Planning Literature, sheds light on the systemic factors that have perpetuated inequities in access to urban green spaces. The research explores how historical zoning policies, socio-economic segregation, and discriminatory urban planning practices have disproportionately limited green space availability in underserved communities in U.S. cities.

Osei Owusu’s research delves into how urban planning frameworks can be reimagined to prioritize inclusivity and equity. He advocates for participatory approaches where community stakeholders actively shape green space design and management. His findings highlight the importance of dismantling structural barriers and reallocating resources to underserved neighbourhoods.

His research has profound implications for cities globally, including those in Ghana, where similar challenges exist. Osei Owusu’s work emphasizes the role of green spaces as critical infrastructure that supports public health, social cohesion, and environmental resilience. By addressing inequities, his research aims to empower marginalized communities and ensure that the benefits of urban green spaces are accessible to all.

This innovative work is not confined to academia. Osei Owusu collaborates with urban planners, policymakers, and environmental organizations to translate his findings into actionable change. From promoting green infrastructure development to advocating for inclusive urban policies, he is driving a movement that underscores the importance of equitable access to natural resources as a cornerstone of environmental justice.

Osei Owusu’s research exemplifies the transformative power of scholarship in addressing real-world challenges. By highlighting the systemic roots of green space inequities and proposing solutions grounded in justice and inclusivity, he offers a roadmap for cities to build healthier, more equitable, and sustainable futures.