Transit oriented development: theory and implementation challenges in Ghana.

  • Kwabena Koforobour Agyemang University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2512-6406
  • Regina Obilie Amoako-Sakyi Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost
  • Kwabena Barima Antwi Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost
  • Collins Adjei Mensah Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5371-6940
  • Albert Machistey Abane Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost
Keywords: Ghana, Accra, TOD, Transport, Corridor

Abstract

Transit Oriented Development (TOD), encourages densification around transport nodes with a combination of work, educational facilities, commercial activities and other basic services. Implementing TOD in Ghana would however, be a faced with a number of challenges. The systematic review approach which is based on published scholarly works was adopted. The paper aimed at exploring the major characteristics, benefits and the institutional and operational challenges of TOD in Accra. The paper identified the possible benefits of TOD in Accra to include reduction in motorisation and congestion, promotion of walkability and other forms of non-motorised transport, public transit ridership and improvement in the liveability of neighbourhoods. The challenges that would be associated with the implementation of TOD in Accra include the absence of a clear policy initiative of the concept in Ghanaian cities; inadequate budgetary support for strategic urban land use planning and for development control; the existence of different ownership regimes within a sizeable stretch of land; and the existence of an ill-planned urban transportation system. Policy options suggested included a new housing policy that will encourage densification, mixed-income housing schemes with stronger government-private and sustainable financing schemes; and a planning regime that integrates transportation, land use and housing development.

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Author Biographies

Kwabena Koforobour Agyemang, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast

He is a lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast. He is a development planner and a researcher in urban transportation planning and mobilities. He has previously worked as a development planner at Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana; SNV Netherlands Development Agency, Ghana; and a municipal assembly in Ghana. His PhD work focused on Implementing Mass Rapid Transit in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana. His research work in transport focuses on Mass Rapid Transit, transport and exclusion, active transportation and urban streetscape.

Regina Obilie Amoako-Sakyi, Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost

She is currently the Head, Department of Geography and Regional, University of Cape Coast. She is a transport geographer and her research work focuses on non-motorised transportation modes, transport and exclusion and gender in transport. Her PhD work was on child mobilities in urban areas.

Kwabena Barima Antwi, Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost

A development planner and Associate Professor at the Department of Geography and Regional Planner, University of Cape Coast. He has researched and supervised students’ research work, including PhD students, on development related issues. His PhD work focused on decentralisation and governance.

Collins Adjei Mensah, Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost

He is a lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast. His research interests cover environment and development issues such as urban and regional planning, sustainable urban development, rural and urban livelihoods, public space management, and environmental sustainability. His PhD research focused on urban land use planning.

Albert Machistey Abane, Department of Geography and Regional Planning University of Cape Coast, Cape Cost

He is a transport geographer and a Professor at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast. He has researched extensively in transport geography. He has supervised many MPhil/PhD students. He has served on the advisory boards of a number of transport institutions in Ghana.

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Published
2020-12-31
How to Cite
AgyemangK., Amoako-SakyiR., AntwiK., MensahC., & AbaneA. (2020). Transit oriented development: theory and implementation challenges in Ghana. TeMA - Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment, 13(3), 409-425. https://doi.org/10.6092/1970-9870/6981