ICEE Conference: Ghana must get governance right to solve transport problems – Ing. Ludwig Hesse

Ghana's transport woes can be solved by improving how cities are governed, asserts Ing. Ludwig Hesse, president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering. He contends that dividing major metropolitan areas into multiple municipal assemblies hinders the planning and management of transport systems that span municipal boundaries. Hesse emphasizes that proper governance and city management are paramount, stating that his engineering efforts, including extensive studies and projects, have been ineffective due to the lack of proper governance.

He suggests that public transport planning should be undertaken at the metropolitan level rather than by individual municipalities, calling for a holistic approach to urban planning, including the siting of industries and other developments. Furthermore, Hesse stresses the need for a clear authority with the mandate and resources to implement transport plans, as past plans have remained unimplemented due to responsibilities being scattered among various institutions.

He advocates for prioritizing governance, followed by integrated urban and transport planning, and the establishment of an implementing and enforcement agency. In the meantime, he urges immediate action on pressing transport issues, such as traffic lights and road maintenance. Speaking at the Third International Conference on Energy and Engineering, Hesse, alongside other experts, urges for tailored energy strategies that address those lacking access to electricity.

They stress the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia to translate research into practical solutions and businesses, highlighting the potential of Ghana's mining industry to foster local development.