Unveiling Ghana's urban tapestry: satellite-based analysis of Tamale city's spatial expansion and land surface temperature (LST) dynamics

Urban heat island effects (UHIEs) and spatial growth remain global existential challenges in the 21st Century. Nevertheless, research on UHIEs in Ghana remains limited, particularly in the northern part. Based on the interrelationship between land surface temperatures (LST) and UHIs, the present study, using spatial data and statistical analytical techniques, comprehensively analyses the nexus between Tamale's spatial growth and LST and their implication for UHIEs. The results indicate a notable increase in developed areas from 1.89% in 2003 to 3.7% in 2013 and 9.2% in 2023. Notably, the city's vegetation cover decreased from 3.48% to 2.1% between 2003-2013 and 2013-2023. Factors contributing to the decline in Tamale's vegetation cover include increasing housing supply, grey infrastructural development, and intensified economic activities. Additionally, Tamale's surface temperature rose from 45.72 degrees C to 51.24 degrees C between 2003 and 2013 and from 51.24 degrees C to 62.9 degrees C between 2013 and 2023. We observed from further analysis that a positive relationship exists between land cover and vegetation, and a weak relationship between land cover, vegetation, and LST. Specifically, there is no statistical evidence to explain temperature variability. Despite this, the study confirms the interplay between spatial growth, LST, and the potential implications for urban planning and sustainable cities in northern Ghana. Given the high rate of spatial expansion, Tamale should anticipate a heightened prevalence and temperature surges, contributing to UHIEs. We conclude the study with recommendations for remedial measures to alleviate the adverse impacts of rising LST and emphasise the importance of initiative-taking urban planning strategies to foster sustainable development amidst rapid urbanisation and climate change challenges.