Ghanaian cities

Opportunities for transformation of the urban transport sector rely on government intervention to shape the structural changes caused in the medium and long term by COVID-19. If nothing is done to encourage the transformation, the costs of inaction described in chapter 4 will only increase.

Ghanaian cities should accelerate the urban transport reforms described in this section by strengthening policies and the institutional and operational framework as well as investments to develop an integrated approach to mobility and accessibility.

The key reforms described in this chapter are even more urgent to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on urban mobility (table 5.1). The key reforms include:

• Adopting institutional and operational frameworks to enhance coordination between local and national governments, empowering local governments, and developing strong institutions that can deal with the complexity of urban mobility and the multisectoral approach of the sector. • Formalizing modernized public transport. Cities would establish incentives for a transition toward a formalized system that is more resilient to shocks, and digital technologies would contribute to the system’s efficiency, safety, and resilience. The public transport reforms should seek to formalize the contractual arrangements between the public transport authority and operators and build on smart technologies to, for example, implement cashless payment systems. • Targeting investments to nonmotorized modes of transport, such as walking and cycling. Integrating walking and cycling paths will help cities develop a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient transport system. • Developing the role of smart technologies and data analytics for a more innovative and resilient system and launching incentives to reduce the number of trips (telecommuting).

TABLE 5.1 Summary of recommendations to respond to COVID-19 in urban mobility: Ghanaian cities

Objectives Interventions

(1) Saving lives

(2) Protecting the poor and vulnerable

(3) Ensuring sustainable business growth and jobs creation

(4) Strengthening policies, institutions, and investments for building back better Put in place protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in public transport. The preventive measures may include social distancing, cleanliness, and information dissemination.

Protect the most vulnerable in the crisis by setting up a fund to support the most vulnerable workers in the informal transport sector (drivers and conductors) with safety net programs.

Support the development of a transport system that allows people to reach jobs and social services in safe conditions: - Bicycle initiatives - Use of new technologies, that is, cashless fare collection systems - Financial support to public transport operators

Support and accelerate urban transport reforms to build back better, including - Develop a more equitable, innovative, sustainable, and resilient transport, including building incentives toward more sustainable modes (nonmotorized transport) and the formalization of informal tro-tro operations - Develop the role of smart technology and data analytics Short term

Medium to long term