Assessment of Land Surface Temperature Trends in Greater Accra, Region Ghana and Their Implications on Public Health

Abstract

Land surface temperature plays a significant role in a variety of processes, including water management, geophysics, the study of biophysics, urban land utilization, and land cover. This study sought to achieve a three-pronged aim: (a) to examine land surface temperature and its spatial patterns; (b) to establish the relationship between NDVI and LST; and (c) to evaluate the urban heat island impacts on health for the residents of the Greater Accra Region. The region has a human population of over 5 million, and the corresponding anthropogenic impact on their environments is significant. To better understand this impact, Landsat 8 images for 2015 and 2023 were acquired with a minimum cloud cover of less than 10%. Images were acquired for both the rainy and dry seasons between April and September. All the image corrections and rectifications were done in ArcGIS Pro software, and land surface emissivity was calculated to provide insights into temperature patterns and land surface conditions for informed decision-making. The results showed that Accra had elevated temperatures during the dry season and relatively cooler temperatures during the wet season. Higher temperatures impact health through heat-related issues, vector-borne diseases, and food security concerns. To mitigate these effects, management must focus on urban greening, healthcare preparedness, and climate-resilient agriculture, along with public awareness and building design improvements.