Accessibility and Transport Needs of Rural People in Ghana: How Relevant Are Appraisal Models

Published on February 24, 2022

The focus of governments in developing countries like Ghana is on the construction of feeder road infrastructure with little or no provision for the vehicles that are needed to ply on the roads after their construction. It is generally assumed that once the feeder roads have been put in place, they will attract the private sector to complement the effort of government by operating commercial transport services on the feeder roads. However, most people living along feeder roads in Ghana face difficulties in accessing reliable transport for their social and economic needs. Through a qualitative approach, the study was done in five rural communities in two Regions in Ghana by engaging 72 participants in focus group discussions as well as 18 feeder roads experts to assess the accessibility and mobility needs of people living along feeder roads in Ghana.

The study revealed that feeder roads selected for construction using Government of Ghana funds are not appraised. However, roads funded by donors are always subjected to evaluation to merit their selection for construction or rehabilitation. The study concludes that road projects can have significant positive impact on people if it considers the environment, improves safety, supports sustainable economic growth, provides equal access and integrates all transport networks. The study highlights the fact that road appraisal models which constitute the mechanisms by which transport projects are assessed can play significant role in the design and implementation of road transport projects. It is important for governments to effectively utilize relevant models as road projects need to not only ease congestion but also have positive impact on the environment. Road projects can have significant positive impact on the people if it considers the environment, improves safety, supports sustainable economic growth, provides equal access and integrates all transport networks.