CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Introduction
This chapter outlines the research methodology adopted for this study titled “The Impact of
Construction Activities on Wetland Areas”. It describes the research design, data sources, type of
data collected, study area, target population, sampling size and technique, and the data analysis
method employed. The purpose of this methodology is to guide the study systematically and
objectively, enabling the collection of relevant data that will help in assessing the extent to which
construction activities affect wetland areas. A well-structured methodology is crucial for
achieving the research objectives and ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings
(Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
3.2 Research Design
The research design serves as a blueprint for conducting the study, ensuring that the research
questions are answered systematically. This study employs a quantitative research design, which
is appropriate for measuring and analyzing the effects of construction activities on wetland using
numerical data. Quantitative research allows for the collection of data that can be statistically
analyzed to identifying patterns, trends and relationships (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). By using
this method, the study aims to present objective and generalizable findings on the degree of
impact construction has had on the wetland areas in question.
3.3 Sources of Data
The study will focus on primary and secondary data sources. Data will be collected from
individuals who are either affected by or involved in construction activities within the study area.
These sources will include responses from residents living near the wetlands, construction
workers and officials from local and environmental authorities. The use of primary data will
enable the study to gather firsthand and current information that reflects the real – time situation
of wetlands under pressure from the construction activities. Secondary data will be obtained from
existing sources such as policy documents, municipal reports, and academic literature on the
impacts of construction activities on wetland areas.
3.4 Area of study
The study will be conducted in Dansoman-Otodjor, a suburb of Ablekuma West Municipality in
Accra. The community has an estimated population of 3,890 people (Ablekuma West Municipal
Assembly Registrar,2025), making human activities in the area a critical factor in understanding
the pressures exerted on the wetland ecosystem. The Dansoman-Otodjor wetland, part of the
broader Densu Delta, is an area of significant environmental and ecological importance in
Ghana. The wetland is formed by the Densu River, which originates in the Atewa Mountains and
meanders through the Densu basin before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. This community is
within the Densu Delta Ramsar site, with a significant portion of its land recognized
internationally as a wetland, which has implications for development and land use. This low-
lying land area has seen a surge in residential and commercial construction over the past decade,
leading to concerns about encroachment on natural wetlands. This geographical characteristic
has historically made it susceptible to flooding, a challenge that has become more pronounced
over time. Residents have reported long-standing issues with inadequate drainage systems
leading to significant property loss and disruption during rainfall. Understanding the impacts of
construction activities on these areas is essential for sustainable developments (Ghana Statistical
service, 2020).
3.5 Population of the study
The population of this study consists of stakeholders directly or indirectly affected by
construction activities in wetland areas. This includes:
Construction firm: Working on projects in wetland areas. These individuals will provide
insights into the construction activities and measures that can be taken to mitigate the impacts on
wetlands (Bryman & Bell, 2019).
Environmental regulators: Responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. These
individuals will provide insights into the regulatory framework and the measures that can be
taken to ensure compliance (Saunders et al., 2020)
3.6 Sampling Size and Technique
A sample size of 20 respondents will be selected using a stratified sampling technique. This
technique ensures that different stakeholder groups are adequately represented in the sample
enhancing the generalizability of the findings (Saunders et al., 2020). The sample will include 16
construction firms, 4 representatives from environmental and planning authorities (Ablekuma
West Municipal Assembly Registrar,2025)
To calculate the sample size, the study will use Yamane’s formula:
N
n=
1+ N ( ℓ )2
Where:
A 95% confidence level and P = 0.05
Where n is the sample size,
N is the population size (N=20 population)
And e is the level of precision.
20
Therefore:n= 2
1+20 ( 0.05 )
n=19
Therefore, 19 respondents will be engaged for the study.
3.7 Data Analysis and Presentation
Data collected from the questionnaires will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and bar
charts will be used to summarize the data.
LIST OF REFERENCES
Asamoah, Y., & Abrokwa, J. K. (2020). Urban expansion and wetland
degradation in Ghana: A case study of Greater Accra. Environmental
Management and Sustainable Development, 9(1), 120–135.
[Link]
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative,
quantitative, and mixed methods approach (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). SAGE
Publications.
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., &
Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and
analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in
Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544.
[Link]