About

I am a GeoInformation Scientist with research experience in geospatial technology applications and geointelligence. Specific application areas are Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis for environmental and socio-economic applications. My work examines land use and land cover change, the population–poverty–land degradation nexus, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal communities. I also investigate how climate change, land degradation, and food security intersect, and how urbanization shapes the urban environment, health, and wellbeing. Drawing on spatial intelligence and interdisciplinary perspectives, I aim to produce knowledge that supports sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and inclusive urban development. Currently, my research focuses on developing geospatial tools for monitoring environmental change, assessing climate vulnerability, and informing evidence-based policy. I teach and supervise students in the application of GIS and remote sensing at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate courses

GEOD 101         Introduction to Human Geography

GEOD 102         Introduction to Physical Geography

GEOD 307         Intro. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems

GEOD 312         Geographic Information Systems Application

Graduate courses

GEOG 703         Advanced Spatial Analysis

GEOG 704         Advanced Remote Sensing

GEOD 605          GIS and Remote Sensing Applications

GEOS 601          Spatial Statistics

GEOS 603          GIS Fundamentals

GEOS 629         Geospatial Intelligence

GEOS 607         Managing GIS

GEOS 602         Seminar and Research Methods

Education

2006-2009: PhD (Earth System and GeoInformation Science), George Mason University, USA.

2001-2005: MS (Environmental Studies), Ohio University, USA.

2001-2005: MA (International Affairs), Ohio University, USA.

1998-2000: MPhil (Geography and Resource Development), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

1993-1997: BA (Geography & Resource Development/Political Science), University of Ghana, Ghana

Research Interest

• 2025 – Current  Climate change, floods, and food security nexus: emerging disaster and disaster preparedness in the Upper East Region, Ghana. IGC, UK.
• 2022-2023: Social Protection Services across the cocoa-growing areas of Ghana. ICI Ghana.
• 2021-2022: Bono-Asante Atea (BAAT)Project vision and success story. ADRA Ghana. 
• 2020: Services support for the office of the Presidential Advisor on COVID-19 and in the COVID-19 War Room. USAID/R4D, Accra, Ghana.
• 2012-2015: CECAFRICA Initiative – Climate change and community resilience analysis for future adaptation, Northern Ghana, sponsored by JAICA.
• 2012-2014: TIGA Ghana Project- Ex-ante cropping Technology assessment and farm household segmentation for Inclusive poverty reduction and sustainable productivity Growth in Agriculture (TIGA).
• 2013-2016: Geospatial Technology Transfer for Emergency Response – Skill Transfer to emergency response agencies in Ghana. A skill training and geodatabase development program sponsored by Skill Development Fund, Ghana.
• 2007-2009: Detecting and quantifying the extent of desertification and its impact in the semi-arid Sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of the Upper East region, Ghana. Norman Borlaug LEAP Grant; Sponsored by USAID in conjunction with International Food Policy and Research Institute (IFPRI) and UC Davis.
• 1998: Upper Volta Hippo Conservation Project:  A grant written on behalf of Ekunatu Appropriate Technology Transfer Center and presented to UNDP Global Environmental Facility Small Grant Project (GEF/SGP)

Publications

Books

1. Eze, B.E., Owusu, A.B., & Dadson, I.Y. (2012). Introductory physical geography. Scamptec Press, Winneba.

Refereed Edited Bok Chapters

2. Owusu, A.B., Songsore, J., Shih, W.Y., & Mabon, L. (2020). Ways of creating usable multipurpose greenspaces in impoverished settlements in cities of the Global South. In Douglas, I.,  Anderson, P.M. L.,  Goode, D., Houck, M. C., Maddox, D., Nagendra, H., & Tan, P.Y., (eds.). The Routledge handbook of urban ecology, (Second Edition), 1007-1025. Routledge, London, 
3. Awere, K.G., & Owusu, A.B. (2019). Quantitative assessment of land cover change of the ridge environment of Ayi Mensah-Peduase, Ghana. In Masafumi, N., Broadhurst, J.L., Edusah, S., & Awere, K.G. ((eds.). Sustainable development in Africa: Concepts and methodological approaches, 99-118.   Spears Media Press, London.
4. Owusu, A.B., & Guo, E. (2018). Environment, energy and climate change. In UNDP, Northern Ghana human development report 2018: Bridging the poverty gap and fostering socio-economic transformation and empowerment to contribute to human development for all, 89-104. UNDP, Accra Ghana
5. Antwi, E.K., Boakye-Danquah, J., Awere, K.G., Owusu, A.B., Botchwey, I., & Ametepe, R. (2018). Examining farm management practices and implications for food crop production in semi-arid Ghana. In Saito, O., Kranjac-Berisavljevic, G., Takeuchi, K., A., & Gyasi, E., (eds.). Strategies for building resilience against climate and ecosystem changes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Science for sustainable societies, 265-289. Springer, Singapore.
6. Asuming-Brempong, S., Owusu, A.B., Frimpong, S., & Annor-Frempong, I. (2016). Technological innovations for smallholder farmers in Ghana. In:  Gatzweiler, F.W., & von Braun,  J., (eds.). Technological and institutional innovations for marginalized smallholders in agricultural development, 369–396. Springer. International.
7. Gyasi, E.A., Yaro, J.A., & Owusu, A.B. (2013). Central themes, concepts, and methodologies of Geography. In Owusu, G., Agyei-Mensah, S. Yankson, P.W.K., & Attua, E.M., (Eds.). Selected readings in Geography: Essays in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the University of Ghana, 1-16. Woeli Publishing Services, Accra.
8. Kufogbe, S.K., Owusu A.B., & Yiran, G.A. (2013). The map as a tool for explanations in Geography. In Owusu, G., Agyei-Mensah, S. Yankson, P.W.K., & Attua, E.M., (Eds.). Selected readings in Geography: Essays in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the University of Ghana, 17-33. Woeli Publishing Services, Accra.
9. Owusu, A.B., Kufogbe, S.K., & Yiran, G.A. (2013). Challenges in the design and implementation of geo-spatial data infrastructure for urban land use planning in Ghana. In Owusu, G., Agyei-Mensah, S. Yankson, P.W.K., & Attua, E.M., (Eds.). Selected readings in Geography:Essays in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the University of Ghana, 34-48. Woeli Publishing Services, Accra.
10. Yiran, G.A., Owusu, A.B., & Kufogbe, S. K. (2013). Understanding field techniques for geographic data collection. In Owusu, G., Agyei-Mensah, S. Yankson, P.W.K., & Attua, E.M., (Eds.). Selected readings in Geography: Essays in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the University of Ghana, 49-68. Woeli Publishing Services, Accra.

Published Research Work in Refereed Journals

11. Yeboah, E., Sarfo, I., Zhu, Q., Kwang, C., Puplampu, D.A., Nikoi, E., Arthur, I.K., Owusu, A.B., Fynn, I.E.M., El Rhadiouini, C. and Okrah, A. (2025). Traceability and projected patterns of Africa’s land use systems and climate variability (1993–2053). Land Use Policy, 157, 107680.
12. Owusu, A.B., Adu-Boahen, K., & Dadson, I.Y. (2024). Institutional arrangement for mitigating and adapting to climate change-related flood risk in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). City and Environment Interactions, 21, 100-129. doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2023.100129
13. Baidoo, B., Kafu, G. Y., Aidoo, K. K. Y., Mihaye, J., & Owusu, A. B. (2024). Detecting changes in surface water extent of the Weija dam, Accra, Ghana using MNDWI indices from Landsat satellite imagery. International Journal of Water, 16(2), 99-117.
14. Owusu, A. B., Fynn, I. E. M., Adu-Boahen, K., Kwang, C., Mensah, C. A., & Atugbiga, J. A. (2024). Rate of desertification, climate change and coping strategies: Insights from smallholder farmers in Ghana's Upper East Region. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 23, 100433.
15. Frimpong, S., Frimpong, H., Owusu, A.B., Boateng, I.D., & Adjei, B. (2023). Livelihood changes, spatial anticontagion policy effects, and structural resilience of national food systems in a Sub-Saharan African country context: A panel machine learning approach. Social Sciences 12(11), 618. doi.org/10.3390/socsci12110618
16. Gyimah, R.R., Kwang, C., Antwi, A.R., Attua, E.M., Owusu, A.B., & Doe, E.K. (2023). Trading greens for heated surfaces: Land surface temperature and perceived health risk in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, 26(4), 861-880. doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2023.09.004
17. Owusu, A.B., Adjei-Mensah, C., Fynn, I.E.M., Kwang, C., Arthur, I.K., & Adu-Boahen, K. (2023). Indicator-based assessment of the liveability of communities in the Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana: A transdisciplinary approach. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100702. doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100702
18. Owusu, A.B., Mensah, C.A., Blay, J., & Fynn, I.E.M. (2023). Urban growth and land surface temperature dynamics: Lessons from Ghana. Journal of Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management, 18(3),  50-65. www.jstor.org/stable/27232314
19. Atakorah, G.B., Owusu, A.B., & Adu-Boahen, K. (2023). Geophysical assessment of flood vulnerability of Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana.  Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 19, 100286  doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2023.100286
20. Osman, A., Boateng, I., Ansah-Mensah, K., & Owusu, A.B. (2023). Wetland restoration challenges and eco-volunteerism. Journal for Nature Conservation, 97, 126411 doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126411
21. Owusu, A.B., Dadson, I.Y., Adu-Boahen, K., & Osman, A. (2023). Local’s perception and coping strategies to flood risks in the coastal zone of the Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. SN Social Sciences, 3(6), 89. doi.org/10.4000/articulo.2110
22. Arthur, I.K., Nikoi, E., Crentsil, A.O., Owusu, A.B., Wrigley-Asante, C.N., & Baffoe, V. (2023). Urban resilience in Africa: A study of land use stresses on urban environment in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. The African Journal of Housing and Sustainable Development, 4(1), 3-16 http://ujh.unilag.edu.ng/index.php/ajhsd
23. Kwang, C., Owusu, A.B., Sarfo, I., & Yeboah, E. (2023). Geographic coterminous of COVID-19 cases and vaccination centers in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. American Journal of Health Studies, 38(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2023.752
24. Owusu, A.B., Yiran, G.A.B., Afagbedzi, S.K., & Takyi, E. (2023). District-level analysis of socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 infections in Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, Ghana. Front. Public Health 11, 1140108. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1140108
25. Puplampu, D.A., Iddris, K., Alorbu, V., Asante, J.O., Takaman, J.L., & Owusu, A.B. (2023). Shoreline change analysis of the eastern coast of Ghana between 1991 and 2020. Journal of Environmental Geography, 16(1-4), 11-21. doi.org/10.14232/jengeo-2023-44339
26. Osman, A., Owusu, A.B., Adu-Boahen, K., & Atamey, E. (2023). Space-time cube approach in analyzing conflicts in Africa. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8, 100557. doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100557
27. Owusu, A.B., Asare, M., & Owusu, R. (2022). Using GIS to understand cervical cancer screening behaviours among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Ghana. Asian Pacific Journal of Environment and Cancer, 5(1), 17-23. doi:10.31557/apjec.2022.5.1.17
28. Yiran, G.A.B., Atubiga, J.A. Kusimi, J.M., Kwang, C., & Owusu, A.B. (2022). Adaptation to perennial flooding and food insecurity in the Sudan savannah agroecological zone of Ghana. Environmental Research, 214(3), 114037 doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114037
29. Owusu, A.B., Afagbedzi, S.K., Bandoh, D.A., Frimpong, J.A., Kissiedu, I.N., Aikins, B.E., Hinneh, R.T., & Kenu, E. (2021). Integration of multiple geospatial applications and intelligence for responding to COVID-19 in Ghana. Ghana Med. J., 55(2) 10-20. doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i2s.3
30. Afagbedzi, S.K., Owusu, A.B., Bandoh, D.A., Frimpong, J.A., Kissiedu, I.N., Aikins, B.E., Hinneh, R.T., & Kenu, E. (2021). Design and deployment of relational geodatabase on mobile GIS platform for real-time COVID-19 contact tracing in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 13(1), 126-146. https://doi.org/10.4314/gjg.v13i1.7
31. Owusu, A.B. (2021). Geographical analysis of mobile network reception quality -signal strength : A case study of Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. Journal of Civil and Environmental Research, 13(1), 23-56. doi: 10.7176/cer/13-1-05
32. Asare, M., Agyei-Baffour, P., Lanning, B.A., Owusu, A.B., Commeh, M.E., Boozer, K., Koranteng, A., Spies, L.A., Montealegre, J.R., & Paskett, E.D. (2020). Multi-theory model and predictors of likelihood of accepting the series of HPV vaccination: A cross-sectional study among Ghanaian adolescents. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 17(2), 571. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020571
33. Tette, E.M.A., Yarney, E., Aluze-ele, S., Adomako, M., & Owusu, A.B. (2019). Application of a community diagnosis survey approach to the assessment of adolescent health at Korle Worko, Accra Ghana. International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, 37(2), 1-12. doi: 10.9734/ijtdh/2019/v37i230162
34. Owusu, A.B., & Agbozo, M. (2019). Application of geographic information systems for flood risk analysis: A case study of the Accra Metropolitan Area. Journal of Present Environment and Sustainable Development, 13(1), 81-98. doi: 10.2478/pesd-2019-0007
35. Owusu, A.B., & Essandoh-Yeddu, F. (2018). Assessment of the forest cover change in the forest-savannah transitional zone, Ghana between 1990 – 2013 using remote sensing and GIS. Journal of Geomatics, 12(2), 89-100.
36. Doe, E.K., Aikins, B.E., Njomaba, E., & Owusu, A.B. (2018). Land use land cover change within the Kakum conservation area in the Assin South District of Ghana, 1991-201. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 26(SI), 87-99.
37. Owusu, A.B. (2018). An assessment of urban vegetation abundance in Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. A geospatial approach. Journal of Environmental Geography, 11(1-2), 37-44. doi.org/10.2478/jengeo-2018-0005
38. Owusu, A.B., Yankson, P.W. K., & Frimpong, S. (2017). Smallholder farmers knowledge of mobile telephone use: Gender perspectives and implications for agricultural market development. Progress in Development Studies, 18(1) 36-51. doi.org/10.1177/1464993417735389
39. Yankson, P.W.K., Owusu, A.B., Owusu, G., Boakye-Danquah, J., & Tetteh, J.D. (2017). Assessment of coastal communities’ vulnerability to floods using indicator-based approach: A case study of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. Natural Hazards, 89, 661-689. doi.10.1007/s11069-017-3006-0
40. Dadson, I.Y., Owusu, A.B., & Osman, A., (2016). Analysis of shoreline change along Cape Coast-Sekondi Coast, Ghana. Journal of Geography, 2016,1868936.  doi.org/10.1155/2016/1868936
41. Yankson, P.W.K, Owusu, A.B., & Frimpong S. (2016). Challenges and strategies for improving the agricultural marketing environment in developing countries: Evidence from Ghana. Journal of Agricultural & Food Information, 17(1), 49-61. doi: 10.1080/10496505.2015.1110030.
42. Owusu, A.B., Jakpa, J.T., & Awere, G. K. (2016). Smallholder farmers vulnerability to floods in the Tolon District, Ghana. Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 17(3-4), 286-311. doi.org/10.1504/IER.2016.080246
43. Antwi, E.K., Boakye-Danquah, J., Owusu, A.B., Loh, S.K., Mensah, R., Boafo, Y.A., & Apronti, P.T. (2015). Community vulnerability assessment index for flood prone savannah agroecological zone: A case study of Wa West District, Ghana. Weather and Climate Extremes, 10, 56-69. doi: 10.1016/j.wace.2015.10.008
44. Eshun, F., Owusu, A.B., Owusu, G., & Amankwaa, E. (2015). A missed opportunity? Unravelling the marketing potentials of tourism in Ghana through GIS. International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 4,(3-4), 41-65. doi.org/10.1504/IJLTM.2015.072120
45. Owusu, G., Owusu, A.B., Amankwaa, E.F.,  & Eshun, F. (2015). Analysis of freshwater stress with a couple ground and surface water model in the Pra Basin, Ghana. Applied Water Science, 7(1), 137-153. doi: 10.1007/s13201-015-0279
46. Amankwaa, E.F., Owusu, A.B., Owusu, G., & Eshun, F. (2014). Accra's poverty trap: Analysing water provision in urban Ghana. Journal of Social Science for Policy Implications, 2(2), 69-78.
47. Antwi, E.K., Boakye-Danquah, J., Owusu, A.B., Asabere, S.B., Yiran, G.A.B., Loh, S.K., Awere, K.G., Abagale, F.K., Asubonteng, K.O., & Attua, E.M. (2014). Land use and landscape structural changes in the ecoregions of Ghana. Journal of Disaster Research, 9(4), 452-468. doi.org/10.20965/jdr.2014.p0452
48. Antwi, E.K., Otsuki, K., Saito, O., Obeng, F.B., Gyekye, K.A., Boakye-Danquah, J., Boafo, Y.A., Kusakari, Y., Yiran, G.A.B., Owusu, A.B., Asubonteng, K.O., Dzivenu, T., Avornyo, V.K., Abagale, F.K., Jasaw, J.S., Lolig, V., Ganiyu, S., Donkoh, S.A., Yeboah, R., Kranjac-Berisavljevic, G., Gyasi, E.A., Minia, Z., Ayuk, E.T., Matsuda, H., Ishikawa, H., Ito, O., & Takeuchi, K. (2014). Developing community-based resilience assessment model with reference to Northern Ghana. Journal of Integrated Disaster Risk Management, 4(1), 73-92. doi.10.5595/idrim.2014.0066
49. Tette, E.M.A., & Owusu, A.B. (2014). Place of residence, environmental characteristics and child mortality in the Princess Marie Louise Hospital catchment area. International Affairs and Global Strategy, 21, 1-7.
50. Peprah, K., Yiran, G.A.B., & Owusu, A. B. (2014). Land use trajectories, forest cover change and consequential land degradation of the Asunafo forest, Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research and Studies, 3(2), 488-503.
51. Owusu, A.B., & Abrokwah, S. (2014). Efforts at evicting street hawkers from the streets of Accra: the good and the bad. Developing Country Studies, 4(1), 120-138.
52. Owusu, A.B. (2013). Measuring desertification in continuum: Normalized difference vegetation index-based study in the Upper East Region, Ghana. Journal of Civil and Environmental Research, 3(12), 157-170.
53. Owusu, A.B., Frimpong, S., & Abrokwah, S. (2013). Analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamics of street hawking: A case study of the Accra Metropolitan Area. Journal of Geography and Geology, 4(4), 1-12.
54. Owusu, A.B. (2013). Detecting and quantifying desertification in the Upper East Region, Ghana using multi-spatial and multi-temporal normalized difference vegetation index. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 3(10), 62-78.
55. Owusu, A.B., Guido, C., & Beach, S.L.  (2013). Analysis of desertification in the Upper East Region (UER), Ghana using remote sensing, field study and local knowledge. Cartographica, 48(1), 1-24. doi.org/10.3138/carto.48.1.1065
56. Owusu, A.B., & Asante, A.P. (2013). Site suitability analysis for a central wastewater treatment plant in the Accra metropolitan area using a geographic information system. Journal of Geomatics, 7(2), 191-197.
57. Owusu, A.B. (2012). Farmers coping with the threat of desertification: A case study of  the Upper East Region, Ghana. Journal of Agricultural, 1(7), 317-330.

Technical Report

58. Owusu, A.B., & Williams, J. (2022). Final evaluation of Bono-Asante Atea (BAAT) project. Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Accra Ghana.
59. Owusu, A.B., & Williams, J. (2019). Baseline study of Bono-Asante Atea (BAAT) project. Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Accra Ghana.
60. Owusu, A.B. (2014). Challenges in mobilization and collection of revenues, including outsourcing. Ministry of Finance, Accra, Ghana.
61. Asuming-Brempong, S., Owusu, A.B., & Frimpong, S. (2013). TIGA Ghana project- ex-ante cropping technology assessment and farm household segmentation for inclusive poverty reduction and sustainable productivity growth in agriculture (TIGA) – Ghana report. Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra Ghana.
62. Owusu, A.B. (2013). An assessment of the national geographic information systems (GIS) environment and policy. Ghana Statistical Service, Accra Ghana.
63. Owusu, A.B. (2002). Environmental impact assessment report of Ohio University golf course extension project. Ohio University, Athens USA.
64. Owusu, A.B. (2002). The status review of Monday Creek watershed restoration project. Technical report prepared for Army Corp of Engineers, USA. Army Corp of Engineers, New Straitsville USA.