Path dependency in transport: A historical analysis of transport service delivery in Ghana

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Path dependency in transport: A historical analysis of transport service delivery in Ghana

Poku-Boansi, Michael

Highlights • Public transport sector has been shaped by direct and indirect government policies. • Road maintenance initiatives is poor and an outcome of path dependence. • Events such as coup d’états truncated transport development. • Walking provided the basis for head porterage and rolling for all trip purposes.

Abstract This paper provides a review of the historical development of Ghana’s public transport services from pre-colonial period to the current dispensation (2016). Using the theory of path dependency, this paper enhances an understanding of the factors that have contributed to shaping public transport services in Ghana. Using key informant interviews, secondary data and literature review, findings show that roads have remained the mainstay of Ghana’s public transport services since post-colonial era (period from 1957). In addition, the paper establishes that Ghana’s public transport sector has been shaped at all staged by direct and indirect government policies aimed at satisfying diverse socio-economic and political interests. The paper recommends the need to critically examine the impacts of past efforts in shaping the future interventions of public transport systems in Ghana.