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Ofosu-Kusi, Y. & Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. (2014). Neoliberalism and housing provision in Accra, Ghana: The illogic of an over-liberalised housing market. In L. Asuelime, J. Yaro, & S. Francis (Eds) Selected Themes in African Development Studies: Economic Growth, Governance and Environment. New York: Springer.
Abstract
The economic hardships of the late1970s forced many African countries to rely on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for financial relief. The two institutions’ reaction in almost all cases was to impose structural adjustment programmes (SAP) on those countries in an attempt to stabilize and grow their economies. Ghana became an unwilling apostle in the 1980s when it implemented various rounds and was portrayed as an extraordinary example of the efficacy of neo-liberal policies in restructuring broken economies. Primary among the benefits was increase in domestic and foreign private investments, especially in the housing industry. Since then, Accra has faced an overproduction of housing for high-income earners thus leading to a dramatic rise of gated communities. On the other hand, there has been virtually no production of housing for low-income earners, thereby deepening their dependence on the informal sector for housing. With this stark difference, the paper argues that those neoliberal policies have rendered government virtually irrelevant in the housing market, especially in the provision of housing for low income earners, and for that reason accelerated the development of poor housing and slums in the city.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 10, 2015
Ofosu-Kusi, Y.
Nordic Seminar on African Childhoods. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway 8-9 June 2015
Paper presented:
Informality as Space: Children’s Visualizations and Experiences of an Informal Settlement in Accra, Ghana.
Abstract
Evidently, streets, markets and urban spaces of Accra represent more than territories defined by boundaries. Many social, economic and cultural activities emanate from the way that environment is (dis)organized and culminate in an informality that shapes the behaviour of people inhabiting that space. With thousands of children and young people adopting streets and markets as a permanent or transient space for their alternative lives, a legitimate question to contemplate is what that space, its embedded opportunities and challenges, mean to their lives. This is a significant question to raise because children’s involvement in the urban economy has become an important narrative in the discourse on Africa’s rapid urbanization. With this in mind, this paper discusses children’s visualization and utilization of space within the context of rampant structural and socio-economic informality. Basing the discussion on narratives from a series of research with street children in 2012 at Old Fadama, a quintessential informal settlement, the article shows that children contemplate, visualise and utilize space in both its structural and constitutive sense. But in doing so, they reinterpret normative obligations to suit their aspirations.
Evidently, streets, markets and urban spaces of Accra represent more than territories defined by boundaries. Many social, economic and cultural activities emanate from the way that environment is (dis)organized and culminate in an informality that shapes the behaviour of people inhabiting that space. With thousands of children and young people adopting streets and markets as a permanent or transient space for their alternative lives, a legitimate question to contemplate is what that space, its embedded opportunities and challenges, mean to their lives. This is a significant question to raise because children’s involvement in the urban economy has become an important narrative in the discourse on Africa’s rapid urbanization. With this in mind, this paper discusses children’s visualization and utilization of space within the context of rampant structural and socio-economic informality. Basing the discussion on narratives from a series of research with street children in 2012 at Old Fadama, a quintessential informal settlement, the article shows that children contemplate, visualise and utilize space in both its structural and constitutive sense. But in doing so, they reinterpret normative obligations to suit their aspirations.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 09, 2015
Amoako, S. (2012). Cogs in the Wheel: Teacher Unions and Public Sector Strikes in Post Apartheid South Africa, 1999-2010. Labour, Capital and Society, 45,
Abstract
This article examines the participation of the two largest teacher unions in South Africa, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) and the National Professional Teachers’ Association of South Africa (NAPTOSA), in public sector strikes from 1999 to 2010. The main contention is that the involvement of teachers’ unions in these public sector strikes has been influenced, largely, by the pressures brought on teachers’ salaries and related working conditions due to the government’s neoliberal economic policies. The teachers’ unions’ frustrations with the employer’s attitude towards negotiations for improved salaries and related working conditions within this neoliberal economic framework has caused them to resort to strikes. Thus, teachers, and their unions, in order to defend their material and working conditions, have maintained high levels of militancy, and have teamed up with other public sector workers to demand better wages and improved conditions of service for their members. However, the strikes are also linked to broader social and political discontent, including poor service delivery, growing inequality, and periodic ruptures in the ruling ANC alliance.
This article examines the participation of the two largest teacher unions in South Africa, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) and the National Professional Teachers’ Association of South Africa (NAPTOSA), in public sector strikes from 1999 to 2010. The main contention is that the involvement of teachers’ unions in these public sector strikes has been influenced, largely, by the pressures brought on teachers’ salaries and related working conditions due to the government’s neoliberal economic policies. The teachers’ unions’ frustrations with the employer’s attitude towards negotiations for improved salaries and related working conditions within this neoliberal economic framework has caused them to resort to strikes. Thus, teachers, and their unions, in order to defend their material and working conditions, have maintained high levels of militancy, and have teamed up with other public sector workers to demand better wages and improved conditions of service for their members. However, the strikes are also linked to broader social and political discontent, including poor service delivery, growing inequality, and periodic ruptures in the ruling ANC alliance.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 08, 2015
Sam. E. F; Adu-Boahen, K & Kissah-Korsah, K
3rd Social Science Conference: Bringing the Gown to Town. UEW, South Campus, Winneba, Ghana 12-14 March, 2014
Paper presented:
Assessing the factors that influence public transport mode preference and patronage: Perspectives of students of University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana
Abstract
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government-owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately-owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government-owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately-owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 07, 2015
Sam, E. F.
3rd Social Science Conference: Bringing the Gown to Town. UEW, South Campus, Winneba, Ghana 12-14 March, 2014
Paper presented:
Don’t learn safety by accident: A survey of child safety restraint usage among drivers in Dansoman, Accra
Abstract
The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed: sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics, child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed: sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics, child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 07, 2015
Sam, E. F. & Abane, A. M
7th African Transportation Technology Transfer Conference. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 11-14 May, 2015
Paper presented:
Enhancing public transport safety and security in Ghana: Role of operators
Abstract
Public transportation poses a higher safety and security risk as it involves a larger number of commuters at a time. Ensuring the security of public transport patrons as well as maintaining the perception that riding on public transport is safe ought to be the first responsibility of any transport operator. This paper examines the various interventions employed by public transport operators in Ghana to address the transport safety and security needs of their patrons. Specifically, the study sought to examine the impact of these interventions on the operators' safety and security records in particular and the public transport safety and security situation in Ghana as a whole. Five Transport/ Traffic Operations Managers from five public transport operators were purposively sampled for the study. Data collection was done by way of a structured interview guide. Data was presented and analysed qualitatively. The study observed and concluded that the operators’ safety and security interventions have yielded some desired outcomes in the form of reduced incidence of road crashes and highway robbery attacks and consequently impacted positively on the public transport safety and security situation in the country. The study called for strict enforcement of public transport safety and security standards as well as effective collaboration and coordination of efforts and activities on the part of both public transport operators and the relevant road safety stakeholders in the country to sustain the improved public transport safety and security in the country. The study emphasised the need for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to periodically review the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking to reflect current safety and security circumstances.
Public transportation poses a higher safety and security risk as it involves a larger number of commuters at a time. Ensuring the security of public transport patrons as well as maintaining the perception that riding on public transport is safe ought to be the first responsibility of any transport operator. This paper examines the various interventions employed by public transport operators in Ghana to address the transport safety and security needs of their patrons. Specifically, the study sought to examine the impact of these interventions on the operators' safety and security records in particular and the public transport safety and security situation in Ghana as a whole. Five Transport/ Traffic Operations Managers from five public transport operators were purposively sampled for the study. Data collection was done by way of a structured interview guide. Data was presented and analysed qualitatively. The study observed and concluded that the operators’ safety and security interventions have yielded some desired outcomes in the form of reduced incidence of road crashes and highway robbery attacks and consequently impacted positively on the public transport safety and security situation in the country. The study called for strict enforcement of public transport safety and security standards as well as effective collaboration and coordination of efforts and activities on the part of both public transport operators and the relevant road safety stakeholders in the country to sustain the improved public transport safety and security in the country. The study emphasised the need for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to periodically review the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking to reflect current safety and security circumstances.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 07, 2015
Sam. E. F; Adu-Boahen, K & Kissah-Korsah, K (2014). Assessing the factors that influence public transport mode preference and patronage: Perspectives of students of University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 3,
Abstract
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government-owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately-owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government-owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately-owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 07, 2015
Sam, E. F. (2015). Don’t learn safety by accident: A survey of child safety restraint usage among drivers in Dansoman, Accra. Journal of Transport & Health, 2,
Abstract
The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed: sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics, child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
The study surveyed child safety restraints use among drivers transporting children to school in Dansoman, Accra. Employing a naturalistic observational method, the following were observed: sex of the driver, vehicle model, child characteristics, child location in the vehicle, whether child was restrained and how they were restrained, whether the driver was belted and the presence of other vehicle occupants. In total 126 vehicles were observed. The study revealed low child restraints use among the observed drivers; children in new vehicles were more likely to be restrained; children seated in the back seat were more likely to be unrestrained; and child occupants were more likely to be unrestrained where there were other vehicle occupants. The study maintained that a collaborated effort by road safety stakeholders in terms of education/awareness creation and subsequent strict enforcement of child restraints use laws were required.
Faculty of Social Sciences EducationJul 07, 2015
