Designing Resilient Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Climate-Compatible Urban Development in Keta, Ghana

Purpose: Coastal cities worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Keta, a historic city in southeastern Ghana, is facing severe challenges from coastal erosion, flooding, and rising tides. This article explores resilient urban planning and architectural solutions designed to mitigate these risks. Methodology: By utilizing Keta as a case study, it investigates innovative policies, architectural designs, and sustainable infrastructure that can enhance climate resilience. Findings: The study stresses the necessity for a shift from reactive measures to proactive, long-term solutions that integrate resilience into urban development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Recommendations are provided for strengthening policy frameworks, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and promoting renewable energy integration to ensure the long-term sustainability of vulnerable coastal cities like Keta. Ultimately, this research makes available understandings into policy reform that supports national economic stability, promotes climate-compatible urbanization, and offers a model for resilience that may be adopted internationally to address similar climate challenges in coastal regions.