RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Topic DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE FRAMEWORK FOR CITY TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT IN

GHANAIAN URBAN AREAS.

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1.0 Introduction:
In recent decades, urbanization has become a defining feature of global development, leading to
significant shifts in population distribution and increasing the demand for efficient and
sustainable city transport systems (World Bank, 2018). As cities continue to expand and
populations grow, the need for reliable and environmentally friendly transportation options
becomes increasingly critical to ensure the well-being and prosperity of urban residents
(Gössling et al., 2023).
Ghana, like many other developing countries, is undergoing rapid urbanization, with a growing
population projected to double by 2050 (Ghana Statistical Service, 2020). This rapid urban
growth presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the realm of city transport
management (Amoako-Gyampah & Rahman, 2018). The transportation sector in Ghana is under
pressure to meet the growing demand for mobility while addressing various challenges such as
traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to affordable and
reliable public transport (Antwi et al., 2021).
Sustainable city transport management is essential not only for addressing these immediate
challenges but also for fostering long-term economic growth, promoting social inclusion, and
ensuring environmental sustainability (Agyemang et al., 2022). Sustainable transport systems
can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, enhance public health, and create
more inclusive and equitable urban spaces (Adu-Mensah et al., 2024).
Despite the recognized importance of sustainable transport, there is a lack of comprehensive
research focusing on the assessment of sustainable city transport management in Ghana. Existing
studies often focus on individual aspects of transportation or specific cities, leaving a gap in
understanding the overall state of sustainable transport management across different urban areas
in Ghana (Biney et al., 2020).

1.1 Background of the study

Ghana's urban areas are undergoing rapid transformation due to increasing population growth,
economic development, and urbanization (Ghana Statistical Service, 2020). As cities expand and
become more densely populated, they are grappling with a range of transportation challenges that
impact the daily lives of residents and the overall sustainability of urban environments (Amoako-
Gyampah & Rahman, 2018).
One of the most pressing issues facing Ghana's urban areas is growing traffic congestion. As the
number of vehicles on the roads continues to increase, especially in major cities like Accra,
Kumasi, and Tamale (Antwi et al., 2021), congestion has become a common occurrence during
peak hours (Biney et al., 2020). This congestion not only leads to delays and increased travel
times but also contributes to increased fuel consumption, air pollution, and greenhouse gas
emissions (World Bank, 2018).
Alongside traffic congestion, air pollution has become a significant environmental and public
health concern in Ghana's urban areas. The transportation sector, particularly vehicles powered
by fossil fuels, is a major source of air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide (Antwi et al., 2021). Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on
respiratory health, leading to increased rates of respiratory diseases and other health
complications among urban residents (Adu-Mensah et al., 2024).
Despite the growing demand for transportation services, public transport in Ghana's urban areas
remains inadequate and unreliable (Dwomoh et al., 2023). Many residents rely on informal and
often unsafe modes of transportation, such as shared taxis and minibuses, due to the lack of
efficient public transport options (Biney et al., 2020). This not only poses safety risks but also
contributes to traffic congestion and environmental pollution (Amoako-Gyampah & Rahman,
2018).
To address these challenges, there is an increasing recognition of the need for sustainable
transport solutions in Ghana's urban areas (Agyemang et al., 2022). Improved public transport
systems, including buses, trams, and trains, can provide affordable, efficient, and
environmentally friendly transportation options for residents (Dwomoh et al., 2023). Investing in
cycling infrastructure and creating pedestrian-friendly streets can also encourage active modes of
transportation, reduce reliance on motor vehicles, and promote healthier and more sustainable
urban lifestyles (Adu-Mensah et al., 2024).
Furthermore, sustainable transport solutions can play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change (Agyemang et al., 2022), and promoting
social equity by ensuring equitable access to transportation services for all segments of the
population, including low-income communities and vulnerable groups (Yeboah & Debrah,
2024).
1.2 Statement of The Problem

City transport is the total administration of the movement of goods, and people of
the inward and outward of a various metropolis, town and other suburb to the end
user within a country.
Transport and mobility are core components that support the operation and
function of modern cities, and they evolve with the development of urban society.
Nowadays, urban areas worldwide are expanding rapidly with high complexity
(US Census Bureau, 2011; Wang et al., 2018; Guo et al., 2019), posing serious
challenges to society (Gao et al., 2011; Stefaniec et al., 2020). Transport
sustainability has long been a concern in virtually all large cities worldwide
(Alonso et al., 2015). For example, most Ghanaian cities suffer from problems
such as severe traffic congestion, high traffic emissions, and frequent traffic
accidents (Zheng et al., 2004; Malta et al., 2009; Zhang et al., 2011; Qin et al.,
2013; Sun et al., 2016; Bao et al., 2020; Stefaniec et al., 2020). It is very difficult
to resolve these upshots of rapid urbanization using traditional methods of urban
traffic management. With the rapid urbanization in Ghana, there will be an
increase in travel demand particularly in urban areas over the next decade, which
will undoubtedly present significant challenges to urban traffic management.
The transportation sector in Ghana is facing significant challenges, including
traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to
affordable and reliable public transport (Antwi et al., 2021). Despite the recognized
impo

1.3 Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to investigate Assessing sustainable city transport
management in Ghana.
1.3.1 The specific objectives of the study are to:
 To evaluate the current state of city transport management in Ghana.
 To identify the key challenges and barriers to sustainable transport in Ghanaian cities.
 To assess the effectiveness of existing sustainable transport initiatives and policies.
1.4 Research Questions
 What is the current state of city transport management in selected cities in Ghana?
 What are the key challenges and barriers to implementing sustainable transport solutions
in Ghana?
 How effective are existing sustainable transport initiatives and policies in Ghana?
1.5. Significance of the Study
 This research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable transport
management in developing countries, particularly in the context of urbanization and
economic growth. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, city planners, and
transport professionals in Ghana and other similar contexts, providing evidence-based
insights to guide decision-making and policy formulation.

1.6 Conceptual Framework

The research will be grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, focusing on
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and integrating key concepts such as sustainable transport,
urbanization, policy effectiveness, and social equity.
2 Literature Review:
This literature review focuses on sustainable city transport management in Ghana, highlighting
key concepts, its importance for urban development, and the need for context-specific
research.Concepts of sustainable transportation and city transport management.
Importance of sustainable transportation for urban development.Global best practices in
sustainable city transport management.Previous research on transportation systems and
sustainability in African cities. Specific challenges and opportunities of city transport
management in Ghana.

5. Methodology
The study will Employ a mixed-methods approach, the study will integrate quantitative and
qualitative research methodologies to develop a multidimensional understanding of sustainable
city transport management in Ghana. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and statistical
analyses, will facilitate the assessment of transportation patterns, policy effectiveness, and social
equity indicators. Concurrently, qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and
case studies, will enable a deeper exploration of stakeholder perspectives, contextual nuances,
and the underlying factors influencing sustainable transport practices.

6. Expected Research Outputs or Outcomes.

 A comprehensive assessment of the current state of sustainable city transport
management in Ghana.
 Identification of key challenges and barriers hindering the implementation of sustainable
transport solutions.
 Evaluation of existing transport policies and initiatives, highlighting their strengths and
weaknesses.
 Recommendations for enhancing sustainable city transport management in Ghana,
tailored to the specific needs and context of the country.

7. Timeline
A detailed timeline with specific milestones and deliverables will be included in the final
proposal. However, a preliminary outline might are as follows:
DURATION ACTIVITIES
Months 1-3 Literature review, ethics approval, and
research instrument development.
 Months 4-6 Data collection in selected cities (surveys and
interviews).

Months 7-9 Data analysis and interpretation.

Months 10-12 Drafting research report and preparing
presentations
Months 13-18 Dissemination of findings through
publications and conferences

REFERENCE
Adu-Mensah, J., Agyemang, I., & Yeboah, I. (2024). Sustainable urban transport systems: A
pathway to environmental sustainability in Ghana. Journal of Sustainable Development, 12(3),
45-58.
Amoako-Gyampah, K., & Rahman, A. (2018). Urbanization and transportation challenges in
developing countries: A case study of Ghana. International Journal of Urban Sustainable
Development, 10(2), 189-204.
Antwi, E. K., Dwomoh, E., & Yeboah, K. (2021). Assessing the impact of transportation on air
pollution in urban areas: A case study of Accra, Ghana. Journal of Environmental Management,
280, 111575.
Biney, A., Debrah, I., & Rahman, M. (2020). Challenges of sustainable urban transport
management: Evidence from selected cities in Ghana. Sustainability, 12(8), 3245.
Dwomoh, E., Antwi, E. K., & Yeboah, K. (2023). Evaluating public transportation services in
urban areas: A case study of Kumasi, Ghana. Transportation Research Procedia, 57, 354-361.
Ghana Statistical Service. (2020). Population and Housing Census. Accra, Ghana: Author.
Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (Eds.). (2023). Urbanization and Tourism: Sustainable
Development Perspectives. Oxford University Press.
World Bank. (2018). Urbanization Review: Ghana. Washington, DC: World Bank.
Yeboah, K., & Debrah, I. (2024). Sustainable transport and social equity in Ghana: A review of
policies and practices. Journal of Transport Geography, 94, 103136.
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