Weak Mass Transport Fuels Accra Congestion

Private sector lawyer David Ofosu-Dorte asserts that Ghana’s transport system is failing. It is not effectively supporting urban mobility. This directly contributes to worsening traffic congestion in Accra. He stated this on Wednesday, May 6, during a JoyNews and Amalgam of Professional Bodies Speaker Series event. The theme was "Centers of Prosperity @ the Center of the World: How we can manage our cities better to stimulate economic growth." Ofosu-Dorte highlighted that limited mass transit choices push commuters towards private cars or ride-hailing services.

Ofosu-Dorte emphasized that a well-managed city offers mass transit for everyone. Such systems cater to those who cannot afford personal vehicles. In Ghana, vehicle occupancy rates are low. This exacerbates traffic jams. It also leads to inefficient road use. He pointed out that three private cars often carry fewer passengers than one bus. These cars occupy the same road space. This inefficiency costs the economy significantly in lost productivity. He called for greater investment in public transport infrastructure.

This issue fits into a larger economic picture for Accra. The city faces rapid urbanization. Yet, infrastructure development lags behind. Poor public transport is a symptom of underinvestment in urban planning. This trend has historical roots. Ofosu-Dorte previously noted how colonial policies shaped Ghana's cities. These policies often excluded the majority. The current lack of efficient public transport hinders economic activity. It makes daily commutes longer and more expensive for many citizens. Ghana's GDP growth can be directly impacted by such inefficiencies. Lost work hours due to traffic cost the nation billions annually.

Speaking at the event, Ofosu-Dorte remarked, "In any well-managed city, you have mass transit that takes care of people who cannot afford their own cars." He also noted that Ghana once had efficient bus systems. However, urban mobility has since declined significantly. This decline impacts businesses reliant on timely delivery and employee punctuality. It also affects the cost of goods and services due to increased transportation expenses.

The implications of this situation are far-reaching. Without improved mass transit, Accra's congestion will likely worsen. This will strain the city's infrastructure further. It will also negatively impact the quality of life for residents. Policymakers must prioritize investment in public transportation. This is crucial for sustainable economic growth. Businesses and commuters will be closely watching for concrete policy shifts. Decisions on infrastructure spending will be critical. Any future urban planning must place a strong emphasis on accessible and efficient public transport options to reduce economic losses.