Contextualizing urban growth, urbanisation and travel behaviour in Ghanaian cities

Abstract

This article examines the effects of urban growth and urbanisation on travel behaviour in Ghanaian cities, using Apeadu, Kodiekrom and Apemso; all suburbs of Kumasi as case study communities. Using data from 317 households, document review and agency official interviews, the study findings show that the incidence of urbanisation and urban growth have shaped travel behaviour of respondents in the study communities. This is seen in 45.5% of respondents traveling more than 10 km to work daily and experiencing increases in travel time; 54.1% of respondents had experienced increases in average distance travelled to work and 76.3% of respondents using private vehicle to work. The study also found that 78.6% of respondents reducing the number of daily trips made. These findings have resulted in respondents reducing the number of trips; especially the non-work-related-trips and the use of smart mobile services such as momo to meet their needs. The study concludes that urban transport reforms within the major cities in Ghana is essential and that efforts must be made to promote the use of large occupancy vehicles such as buses and light commuter rails to reduce the growing dependency on personal car use, make the cities competitive and ensure sustainable urban travel.