Transit Oriented Development: Theory And Implementation Challenges In Ghana

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) encourages densification around transport nodes with a combination of work, educational facilities, commercial activities and other essential services. Implementing TOD in Ghana would, however, be faced with several challenges. The systematic review approach, which is based on published scholarly works was adopted. The paper aimed at exploring the significant characteristics, benefits, as well as the institutional and operational challenges of TOD in Accra. The paper identified the possible benefits of TOD in Accra to include a reduction in motorisation and congestion, promotion of walkability and other forms of non-motorised transport. It will also promote public transit ridership and improvement in the liveability of neighbourhoods. The challenges that would be associated with the implementation of TOD in Accra include the absence of a clear policy initiative of the concept in Ghanaian cities; inadequate budgetary support for strategic urban land use planning and development control; the existence of different ownership regimes within a sizeable stretch of land; and the existence of an ill-planned urban transportation system. Policy options suggested included a new housing policy that will encourage densification, mixed-income housing schemes with stronger government-private and sustainable financing schemes; and a planning regime that integrates transportation, land use and housing development.