Redesign Accra’s streets for a more accessible, sustainable and inclusive future

The reallocation of road space to people and sustainable transport modes presents a significant opportunity for Accra to address the accessibility gaps in today’s transport system. By co-ordinating governance through a metropolitan transport authority, the city can better manage rapid urbanisation and redesign streets to accommodate bus rapid transit systems and non-motorised transport modes to complement existing popular transport options. The analysis illustrates how different scenarios can fill existing accessibility gaps, alleviate congestion and mitigate rising pollution and emissions. These investments can be implemented incrementally according to Accra’s needs and priorities. This paper presents an investment allocation approach based on accessibility, focusing on connecting underserved populations who live far from existing essential services. However, this is just one of many options, with others including traffic counts. The discussion provides a framework for decisionmakers across Africa to develop more accessible, inclusive and sustainable transport systems, using qualitative and quantitative data to guide decision making.