Vol. 11, Issue 10, Part D (2025)

Abstract
This study investigates the challenges of urban land use planning and their effects on socio-economic development within the Drobo Municipality of the Ahafo Region, Ghana. The primary objective was to examine the socio-economic implications of deficiencies in the implementation of urban land use plans in the towns of Drobo and Japekrom. A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed to select 278 households for the study, with data collected through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling methods. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that of the several existing land use schemes, only one is being actively enforced, rendering the overall layout and land use management in Drobo and Japekrom ineffective. Significant barriers to effective planning include widespread land litigation and the refusal of individuals who have unlawfully acquired land to cooperate with the Physical Planning Department for proper demarcation and layout. The study identified both positive and negative socio-economic consequences stemming from these unregulated land use changes. It concludes that the current state of land use planning adversely affects the community's socio-economic well-being. Therefore, it is recommended that the Municipal Assembly provide the Physical Planning Department with adequate resources to ensure that all physical developments conform to approved land use plans, thereby fostering sustainable and orderly urban growth.