Political priorities, lack of continuity holding back Ghana’s public transport plans – Dr Arkhurst
Spatial and Land Use Planner, Dr Benedict Arkhurst, has said that Ghana’s efforts to develop an efficient public transport system have been held back by changing government priorities and a lack of continuity in implementing long-term transport plans.
Dr Benedict Arkhurst, a Spatial and Land Use Planner, has highlighted the challenges Ghana faces in developing an efficient public transport system. The issue, according to Dr Arkhurst, is not the lack of plans but the inconsistency in prioritizing them when new governments take office. He observed that several plans have been developed over the past decade to address congestion and improve public transport, but they have not been consistently implemented due to shifting government priorities.
The expert pointed out that while governments often have their own priorities, they sometimes overlook existing transport strategies when implementing new ones. He emphasized that while expanding road infrastructure is crucial, there is a need for more focus on urban mobility and building a reliable public transport system. Dr Arkhurst highlighted the presence of several policy documents, including a transportation master plan, a Greater Accra Regional Spatial Development Framework, and a National Spatial Development Framework, which provide a long-term framework for transportation development.
However, he noted that these plans often take a backseat to government manifestos when administrations change.
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