Ghana’s Transport Sector:โฃ Modernization โadn Expansionโค Plans – A Summary
This article details Ghana’s ongoing efforts to modernize andโข expand its transportation โฃnetwork under the vision of โขPresident John Dramani Mahama. Here’s a breakdown of the key initiatives:
1. Coastal Water Transport System Growth:
* The government is commissioning a feasibility study to explore private sectorโข involvement in developing a coastal water transport system.
* Thisโ aims to alleviate pressure on roads, create economic opportunities for coastal communities, reduce travel time, and lower logistics โcosts.
* Expressions of interest will be advertised for qualified firms (local and international).
2.Addressing Road Transport Challenges:
* Recognizing road transport as the โbackbone of the economy, the government acknowledges issues like congestion, delays,โข and inefficiencies.
* Okada/Tricycle regularization: Plans are underway to legalize and regulateโค motorcycles and tricycles (“Okada”) – a vital transport option in areas withโ limited bus/taxi โaccess. Amendments to the Road Traffic Actโ 2004 (Act 683)โฃ and Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (LI 2180) have been approved by Cabinet and are awaiting parliamentary approval.
3. Improving Commuter Experience:
* Fare Reduction: Aโค 15% reduction in โขpublic transport faresโฃ was implemented onโฃ May 24th,โ reflecting economic improvements and lower fuel โขprices.
* DVLA Enhancements: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is expanding โaccess โto โservices:
* โ 24-hour service introduced to support the 24-Hour โEconomy Policy.
* โข New offices opened in Adenta, Bawaleshie, asamankase, and Akwatia, with two more planned for Dorma and Bechim.
โค * These expansions aim to close service โฃgapsโ and bring services closerโค to citizens.
Overall Goal:
Theโ overarching goal is toโฃ create a more modern,efficient,safe,and accessible transport sector in Ghana,reducing congestion and providing diverse mobility options for citizens. โThe development of the coastal water transport system is seen as a key component of this modernization effort, with significant potential โฃfor economic growth โขand tourism.