Modernization in Ghana: Exercise 2

 

Map 1: Modernization in Ghana, created using Google Earth Pro and Google Maps

    The map above represents modernization in Ghana, West Africa. When evaluating the map, there are two different polygon colors. Orange represents areas of high modernization and yellow represents areas of medium modernization. The data used to create this map is from the reading, Mental Maps by Gould and White, published in 1974. 

    In the reading, modernization was evaluated from responses of college students in Ghana. First, the students were asked to order their location preferences as if they were entering government service and had a choice of posting to a particular district. Second, the students evaluated the districts with five factors: cost of living, accessibility, environment, facilities, and local people. The results of the two fields are displayed in the map above. It is apparent that the peaks or high areas are the major urban areas. Let's evaluate a few locations as examples. It is mentioned that Accra is the capital of Ghana and is placed in a high area due to strong preference and desirability. Accra is located near one of the placemarks on the map, Aluminum Smelter. It is also noted that the shore of Lake Volta is shunned for its inaccessibility and lack of bright lights and urbanization. Lake Volta is located near one of the placemarks in the map above, the Akosombo Dam. By viewing this placemark on the map, it is apparent that the Akosombo Dam and Lake Volta are low preference according to students in Ghana. For further understanding of the two locations, take a look at the images below. 

                   Image 1: Screenshot from GEP: Akosombo Dam                  Image 2: Screen using GEP: Accra, Ghana

    

    Image 1 displays a satellite image of the Akosombo Dam and Image 2 displays a satellite image of Accra, Capital City of Ghana. The two images display great diversity. The Akosombo Dam is a very rural location with a lack of infrastructure and housing. Accra is a very urban area with a plethora of buildings, housing, and roadways. 

    Based on Rostow's 5 Stage Model of Development, it is apparent that the students of Ghana value the later stages of development. The areas with characteristics of lower stages of the 5 Stage Model, such as agriculture, score low on Ghanaian students' preferences. On the contrary, areas with characteristics of higher stages of the 5 Stage Model, such as ports, score high on Ghanaian students' preferences.