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Bridging The Transportation Gap For Rural Ghana: A Call For Inclusive Mobility Policies

Feature Article Bridging The Transportation Gap For Rural Ghana: A Call For Inclusive Mobility Policies
TUE, 21 JAN 2025

Transportation in Ghana remains a cornerstone of socio-economic development, yet it is plagued by disparities that leave rural and peri-urban communities underserved. The recent procurement of 100 electric buses by the government to enhance urban transportation is commendable. However, as a transport and road safety expert, I urge the government to shift some focus toward addressing the transportation challenges that disproportionately affect rural populations.

In rural Ghana, transportation is not merely a convenience—it is a lifeline. “Transport is one of the basic rights that, along with food, clothing, and housing, make it possible to participate in society” (Handbook of Transport Systems And Traffic Control, Kenneth J. Button & David A. Hensher). Access to decent transportation enables rural residents to connect to urban centers or nearby towns, facilitating trade, socialization, education, healthcare, and administrative engagements. Yet, for many rural dwellers, transportation is an ongoing struggle, compounding their socio-economic marginalization.

The Mobility Divide

Despite Ghana's advancements in infrastructure, the rural-urban mobility divide remains stark. Many rural communities lack reliable road networks, making them physically inaccessible, especially during the rainy season. Poorly maintained roads exacerbate vehicle wear and tear, discourage transport operators, and inflate travel costs, thereby cutting off these communities from essential services.

Rural school children often walk several kilometers to access education, sacrificing valuable time and energy that could be spent learning. Farmers and traders struggle to transport goods to urban markets, leading to post-harvest losses and diminished incomes. Pregnant women, the sick, and the elderly are sometimes unable to access healthcare in critical moments due to the unavailability of reliable transport.

Mobility Poor vs. Mobility Rich

“Mobility has become a central motif of our society, and those who are ‘mobility poor’ are not able to enjoy the same opportunities as those who are ‘mobility rich.’” The reality in Ghana reflects this statement. Urban dwellers, equipped with better roads and public transport systems, enjoy greater access to opportunities compared to their rural counterparts. This disparity not only widens the socio-economic gap but also stifles rural development, perpetuating poverty cycles.

The Case for Rural Transport Investment

While urban areas benefit from progressive transport policies, rural areas require targeted interventions to address their unique challenges. Investing in rural transportation systems aligns with the principles of equity and national development. “During the centuries, human mobility has become an essential pillar for prosperity and welfare,” yet rural Ghana remains excluded from this narrative.

The government's decision to acquire electric buses should be lauded for its environmental sustainability and potential to reduce urban congestion. However, as policymakers strategize on improving urban mobility, they must not lose sight of the rural majority whose contributions are integral to the nation’s economy and culture.

Policy Recommendations

  1. Rural Road Development: Prioritize the construction and maintenance of all-weather roads in rural areas. Good road infrastructure is the bedrock of reliable transportation systems.
  2. Subsidized Rural Transport Services: Introduce subsidized transportation for rural dwellers to make travel affordable for low-income households. (Electric vehicles can be a game changer in this regard). Partnerships with private operators could ensure sustainability.
  3. Multimodal Transport Systems: Integrate diverse modes of transport such as bicycles, motorcycles, and watercraft into rural transport strategies to cater to varied geographical landscapes.
  4. School and Healthcare Transport Programs: Set up dedicated transport systems for students and healthcare access in rural areas to alleviate education and health inequalities.

Leveraging the Electric Bus Model

The introduction of electric buses should not be confined to urban centers. Rural areas can benefit from smaller, cost-efficient electric vehicles tailored to their needs. Such systems could complement existing rural transport options while fostering environmental sustainability.

The Broader Impact

Expanding rural transportation will have a ripple effect on Ghana’s socio-economic development. Improved mobility can increase school enrollment, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and enhance economic productivity. It also fosters national unity by bridging the urban-rural divide and enabling all citizens to participate in the country's development.

As a nation striving for middle-income status, Ghana cannot afford to overlook the transportation needs of its rural population. Policymakers must adopt an inclusive approach to transportation planning that addresses the mobility challenges of the underserved. By doing so, the government will not only uphold transportation as a basic right but also unlock the potential of millions of Ghanaians whose development hinges on equitable access to mobility.

Transportation is not just a means of movement; it is a catalyst for empowerment, opportunity, and national progress. The time to act is now.

Michael Osei Owusu, CMILT
(Transport/Road Safety Consultant)
Ace Transport & Road Safety Consult Ltd. Mob: 0245885225 / 0204220202

Email: [email protected]

Michael Osei Owusu
Michael Osei Owusu, © 2025

This Author has 11 publications here on modernghana.comColumn: Michael Osei Owusu

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