Sustainable Transport Development for Accra: Critiquing Ideologies and Unraveling Priorities

Abstract

It is questionable whether decentralization or economic liberalization policies form good foundations for good governance in a developing country. Ghana’s first National Transport Policy was drafted in 2008. A prominent theme in this policy document is ensuring sustainable development of urban public transportation, through, among other things, good governance. The document, however, is built within the contextual frameworks of Ghana’s Poverty Strategy Papers, which espouse decentralization and economic liberalization policies. It is argued that these policies are incompatible with the transport policy agenda for sustainable development as they are not fertile ground for breeding good governance. However they are conducive to ensuring the premier priority within Accra’s public transportation system is met – which is maintaining employment and thus upholding livelihoods.