A Geographical Appraisal of Traffic Congestion at the Central Business District of Takoradi.

Abstract

Research has confirmed how transportation obviously helps to achieve economic growth, especially within cities all over the world (Hartegen & Fields, 2006). Due to improper planning and forecasting of cities’ growth, however, traffic congestion has become the bane of socio-economic growth. This study sought to examine the socio-economic effects of traffic congestion in Takoradi, Ghana and among other things reviewed the geographical variations among five arterial roads in the city. Using questionnaire design, a semistructured interview guide, as well as a camera to gather data and the Ullman Theory of Spatial Interaction to direct the theoretical basis of the study, the following key findings were made: The Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Market Circle corridor had the highest mean of 3.52 of perception of traffic severity out of the total of 13.8 recorded on all the five roads appraised in the study. The road with the least perception of congestion severity was however the Paa Grant Circle-Takoradi Polytechnic stretch with an average of 2.08. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found to exist among delays, increase in prices of goods and services, accidents, pollution and traffic congestion on corridors 5, 4, 1 and 2 respectively. To remedy the situation this study recommends measures such as the rehabilitation of the railway lines, the decongestion of the CBD, the regulation of infrastructure development, the expansion of the roads, as well as the regulation of the activities of ‘trotro’ and taxi drivers in the Metropolis. The recommended measures will not only help to mitigate the congestion but also ensure the smooth operation of socioeconomic activities in the city of Takoradi.