Ghana Geographers Association (GGA) Annual Conference 2026
Africa in Transition: Climate Change, Urban Growth and the Quest for Healthy and Sustainable Living
The conference will be hosted by the Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba, in collaboration with the Ghana Geographers Association (GGA).
Conference dates: 22 – 25 September 2026
Africa is undergoing profound transformation. Rapid urbanisation, climate change impacts, environmental pressures, demographic growth, and changing economic systems are reshaping the continent’s landscapes and livelihoods. These transformations present both opportunities and significant challenges for governments, communities, and development partners.
Climate change is already affecting many parts of Africa through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, coastal erosion, changing rainfall patterns, and environmental degradation. At the same time, African cities are experiencing unprecedented urban growth, creating pressures on housing, transport systems, water resources, health systems, and urban infrastructure.
These developments raise urgent questions about how African societies can pursue development pathways that are both sustainable and supportive of healthy living environments. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that link climate resilience, urban planning, environmental management, public health, and social equity.
Geography, as a discipline that bridges environmental and social sciences, provides critical tools for understanding and responding to these transformations. Through spatial analysis, geospatial technologies, environmental research, and place-based approaches, geographers contribute to policy development, planning, and sustainable development practice.
The Ghana Geographers Association (GGA) Annual Conference 2026 therefore provides a platform for scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and students to examine the ongoing transitions across Africa and to explore strategies for promoting healthy, resilient, and sustainable societies.
The conference aims to provide a platform for critical dialogue and knowledge exchange on the environmental, urban, and socio-economic transformations shaping Africa, with a focus on pathways toward healthy and sustainable living.
The Ghana Geographers Association warmly invites academics, teachers, practitioners, policymakers, and students to contribute to the GGA Annual Conference 2026 and to join in building alliances that create lasting change for sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.
Specific Objectives
The conference seeks to:
- Examine the impacts of climate change on African environments and societies
- Analyse the dynamics and implications of rapid urban growth
- Explore strategies for healthy cities and sustainable living environments
- Highlight the role of geography and geospatial technologies in development planning
- Promote dialogue between researchers, policymakers, educators, and practitioners
- Strengthen collaboration among geographers and development stakeholders
Conference Sub-Themes
Abstracts are invited on (but not limited to):
- Climate change and environmental sustainability
- Urban growth and spatial planning
- Healthy cities and sustainable living
- Geospatial technologies and innovation
- Governance, policy and development
- Geography education and capacity building
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts should be 250 words
- Times New Roman
- 1.5 font size
- 5 key words
- Include author name(s), affiliation(s), and contact email
- Indicate the preferred sub-theme
Important Dates
Abstract submission deadline: 31 July, 2026
Notification of acceptance: On a rolling basis
Conference dates: 22 – 25 September 2026
Accepted abstracts will be published in the Conference Book of Abstracts. Interested authors may submit the full paper for publication in a special issue in the Journal of Geographical Research and Report, subject to further review.
Awards
Awards will be presented for:
- Best Conference Abstract
- Best Paper Presentation
Submission and Enquiries
Abstracts should be submitted here.
For enquiries, contact: ggaconference2026@gmail.com
The GGA Annual Conference 2026 offers a timely opportunity to reflect on Africa’s ongoing transitions and to identify strategies that promote sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and healthy living environments. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference will contribute to shaping practical and policy-relevant solutions for Africa’s future.
