Deputy Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor William Ackaah, has underscored Ghana’s capacity to develop an efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, yet the nation’s political will remains a significant hurdle. He stated that Ghana possesses the technical expertise and studies to establish a BRT infrastructure, however, the absence of a strong commitment to implementation is impeding this progress.
Professor Ackaah highlighted that successive governments, notably those overseeing Accra and Kumasi, had commissioned transportation master plans dating back over two decades, yet these plans have not been fully executed. He emphasized that the country lacks the political will to move beyond these plans and initiate a comprehensive BRT initiative.
He rejected the notion that Ghana needed to conduct extensive feasibility studies simply to determine if BRT was necessary. Instead, he asserted that political leaders must prioritize committing public funds for the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the BRT system. ‘We need a political leader who will commit to this investment,’ he warned, emphasizing the need for a decisive commitment to fund the project.
The CSIR Director stressed that the existing master plans demonstrate that Ghana already has the technical solutions to improve urban transport. He clarified that the challenge lies not in determining feasibility, but in establishing a commitment to implement all the necessary studies and plans, a crucial step for the BRT system to succeed.
Prof Ackaah pointed to the ongoing delays in realizing the benefits of past transport projects as a significant consequence. ‘The city’s development trajectory, if not addressed, will lead to a situation where transportation needs are unmet,’ he warned. He further cautioned about the potential consequences of continued delays, particularly as urban centers expand and vehicle ownership increases, potentially leading to a decline in mobility.
He underscored the responsibility for delivering a robust public transport system shouldn’t solely rest with one institution, stating that the Ministry of Transport, along with local government authorities and district assemblies, must play a vital role in coordination. ‘Effective coordination is paramount to ensure the system is planned, funded, and implemented efficiently,’ he emphasized.
Furthermore, Professor Ackaah criticized the practice of restarting major transport projects whenever a change in government occurs, arguing that this approach wastes valuable time and resources while delaying the realization of solutions to a persistent problem.
He concluded that a political leadership decision regarding the implementation of a public transport system should not be solely vested with one institution. He identified the Ministry of Transport as a key player, but acknowledged the crucial roles of the Roads and Highways, local government authorities, and district assemblies in ensuring the system’s success.
This lack of political commitment has the potential to significantly impede Ghana’s progress towards achieving its transport goals, requiring a concerted effort to ensure that the necessary studies and plans are implemented to benefit the nation as a whole.
Source: MyJoyOnline
