Integrating a gender perspective into Ghana’s transport planning

In the bustling cities of Accra and Kumasi in Ghana, the rhythm of daily life beats to the tune of transportation. Yet, beneath this movement lie gender inequalities that limit not only mobility, but also economic participation and social inclusion.

As policymakers in Ghana embark on redesigning the country’s transport systems, they have a unique opportunity to make them more sustainable, accessible, and gender responsive. Transportation is the lifeline that connects people to essential services and opportunities. Thus, transport planning can and should be a vehicle for empowerment and inclusion. 

A study from the Sahel and West Africa Club (OECD/SWAC) in co-operation with the International Transport Forum (ITF), the University of Ghana and the Great Accra Passenger Transport Executive, reveals that low-income women in Accra and Kumasi struggle to access essential services, such as markets. Due to their reliance on walking, many of these important economic hubs remain out of reach. In Accra, for example, 61% of the population resides in areas where it is impossible to reach any market within a 30-minute walk. This is particularly problematic for women, since market trade represents nearly 40% of women’s employment in Greater Accra, compared to only 10% for men.

Access to primary schools presents a similar challenge. In Accra, 51% of the population cannot reach a primary school within a 30-minute walk. This disproportionately affects women, who are responsible for 75% of the trips bringing children to and from school.

Caregiving trips, such as school drop-offs, household shopping, and caring for sick or elderly relatives, constitute the second highest proportion of daily travel after employment-related trips. These caregiving journeys are primarily undertaken by women. Yet, transport systems do not adequately support  these mobility needs.  

Consider trotros—the minibuses that form the backbone of Ghana’s public transport system. Travelling with children on trotros is often not feasible. Drivers frequently refuse entry to children under 12, who traditionally ride for free, to avoid revenue loss and delays related to boarding and disembarking. In Accra’s low-income group, trotro usage is significantly higher when travelling without children (38%), dropping to 3% when travelling with children. Consequently, women accompanying children to school or elsewhere may find themselves cut off from this mode of transport. Moreover, market traders, many of whom are women, may be refused entry or charged extra for their heavy loads, further limiting their mobility and economic opportunities. 

Designing transport systems that cater to the diverse mobility needs of women and men starts with collecting and analysing gender-sensitive data. Factors like gender, income, age, employment status, degree of (dis)ability, class, and the intersection of these variables all influence how individuals experience mobility. Understanding these nuances through data helps to shape more effective and inclusive transport policies.

SWAC’s survey in Accra and Kumasi revealed the different ways in which women and men navigate these cities. Women, who often have limited access to cars, rely on walking and trotros--modes of transport with the least access to essential services. They also tend to make shorter trips with multiple stops, , often related to care responsibilities. These insights can guide the design of routes, timetables, and the strategic placement of transport near essential facilities. They also support the creation of affordable fares that accommodate multiple stops and dependents, and the need for safer walking infrastructure and better pedestrian networks.

Addressing caregiving-related mobility needs is crucial to closing accessibility gaps. Incorporating these needs into transport planning not only improves access, but also elevates the value of care work, which is primarily undertaken by women.

Transportation planning in Ghana's cities offers a critical opportunity to tackle gender disparities in mobility and foster a more inclusive society. By leveraging data, engaging women in planning and decision-making processes, and addressing their unique mobility challenges, policymakers can transform transportation from a basic means of travel into a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusion.