State of Slum: Precarity and Informal Governance at the Margins in Accra

A study of Ghana’s largest illegal slum, revealing how such communities are able to govern themselves in the absence of state authority.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Accra's Old Fadama neighborhood is the largest illegal slum in Ghana, home to eighty thousand people. Despite being predominantly Ghanaian-born, their status as illegal "squatters" leads to a precarious existence, marginalization within Ghanaian society, and denial of many rights as citizens. This situation is not unique, as over half of the African population now lives in cities, resulting in a lack of affordable housing leading to the formation of similar illegal slum communities.

Drawing on rich ethnographic fieldwork, the book explores the narratives that emerge from the daily lives and struggles of these individuals, using Old Fadama as a lens to identify broader trends and dynamics across African slums. Central to Stacey's argument is the notion that these slums possess their governance structures, rooted in negotiations between slum residents and external actors. Through this lens, Stacey challenges our understanding of slums and governance, shifting our perspective to consider how even the most marginalized members of society can play a significant role in shaping and contesting state power.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of Old Fadama, delving into its historical context, social dynamics, and economic challenges. It sheds light on the experiences of slum residents, their resilience, and their efforts to improve their living conditions. Stacey also examines the broader political and social factors that contribute to the persistence of illegal slums, including land tenure issues, government policies, and the lack of affordable housing options.

By highlighting the governance structures and negotiations of Old Fadama, the book provides valuable insights into the complexities of urbanization and governance in Africa. It challenges the dominant narratives that often portray slums as solely negative and powerless, emphasizing the agency and resilience of slum residents in shaping their communities and challenging the status quo. The book's findings have implications for policymakers, urban planners, and activists working to address the challenges of urban poverty and inequality in Africa. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and sustainable urban development that recognizes and respects the rights and contributions of all urban residents, regardless of their legal status.

In conclusion, "The Governance of African Slums: Negotiating State Power in Old Fadama" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the governance of African slums. Through ethnographic fieldwork and a critical analysis of the dynamics within Old Fadama, Stacey challenges prevailing narratives and highlights the agency and resilience of slum residents in shaping their communities and contesting state power. The book's findings have significant implications for urban development in Africa and beyond, advocating for inclusive and sustainable urban planning that recognizes and respects the rights and contributions of all urban residents.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786992048