Introduction: The rapid urbanization in developing nations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, has presented critical challenges in housing provision, including affordability issues, insufficient infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Ghana, as one of the fastest urbanizing countries in the region, is facing similar challenges as its major cities, such as Accra and Kumasi, experience significant population growth. These urbanization dynam- ics exacerbate existing housing deficits and complicate efforts to achieve sustainable urban development.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationships between governance struc- tures, project management practices, and sustainable urban housing outcomes in Ghana. Specifically, it explores how institutional frameworks and project management systems in- teract to influence the effectiveness of urban housing projects and their sustainability in rapidly urbanizing contexts.
Methodology: The study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the direct and mediated effects between institutional frameworks, project management practices, and sustainable urban housing outcomes. A comprehen- sive multi-stakeholder survey was conducted, involving 4,000 respondents from Accra and Kumasi, to gather data on various factors influencing housing sustainability. The analysis combines both quantitative and qualitative insights, making it possible to model complex relationships among the constructs.
Findings: The study reveals that institutional quality, characterized by regulatory clar- ity, governance effectiveness, and policy coherence, significantly influences project manage- ment practices. In turn, effective project management, which includes planning, risk man- agement, and stakeholder engagement, enhances sustainable urban housing outcomes. The analysis also shows that the relationship between institutional frameworks and sustainable housing outcomes is partially mediated by project management practices. The model demon- strates substantial explanatory power (R2 = 0.670 for sustainable housing outcomes) and strong predictive relevance, confirming the critical role of governance structures and project execution in shaping housing sustainability.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks and improving project management systems to address the growing housing deficits in Ghana’s urban centers. Robust governance, clear policy frameworks, and effi- cient project management practices are crucial for promoting sustainable urban housing development. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers in emerging economies to enhance institutional capacity, streamline project implementation processes, and ensure that urban housing developments are both sustainable and resilient to the pressures of rapid urbanization.
Keywords: Sustainable Urban Housing; Institutional Framework; Project Management; Urban Development; Housing Affordability; Governance; Regional Economics
Citation: Tamimu, M. G., & Touray, M. (2026). Advancing Sustainable Urban Housing Development: A PLS-SEM Analysis of Urbanization Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Business & Eco Insights.,2(2):1-10.