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Danso-Wiredu, E.Y. (2018). Gendered dynamics and Reciprocity in Fishing Communities in Ghana. The Case of Penkye, Winneba. Journal of Black Studies, Sage publications, 49,
Abstract
The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions. Keywords fishing communities, Winneba, reciprocity, gender roles, communal living
The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women’s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions. Keywords fishing communities, Winneba, reciprocity, gender roles, communal living
Sam, E.F., Daniels, S., Brijs, K., Brijs, T., & Wets, G. (2018). Modelling public bus/minibus transport accident severity in Ghana. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 119,
Abstract
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011–2015. We estimated the severity of bus/minibus accidents by fitting generalised ordered logit models. Our findings revealed that weekends, the absence of road median, night-time conditions, bad road terrain (curved, wet and rough roads), hit-pedestrian collisions, and drunk driving are associated with more severe bus/minibus accident outcomes. Conversely, minibuses, the absence of road shoulder, accidents in intersections, the presence of traffic control and collision types (except hit-pedestrian) are associated with less severe bus/minibus accidents
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011–2015. We estimated the severity of bus/minibus accidents by fitting generalised ordered logit models. Our findings revealed that weekends, the absence of road median, night-time conditions, bad road terrain (curved, wet and rough roads), hit-pedestrian collisions, and drunk driving are associated with more severe bus/minibus accident outcomes. Conversely, minibuses, the absence of road shoulder, accidents in intersections, the presence of traffic control and collision types (except hit-pedestrian) are associated with less severe bus/minibus accidents
Sam, E.F., Brijs, K., Daniels, S., Brijs, T., & Wets, G. (2018). Public bus passenger safety evaluations in Ghana: A phenomenological constructivist exploration. Transportation Research Part F, 58,
Abstract
Notwithstanding the growing body of literature that recognises the importance of personal safety to public transport (PT) users, it remains unclear what PT users consider regarding their safety. In this study, we explore the criteria PT users in Ghana use to assess bus safety. This knowledge will afford a better understanding of PT users’ risk perceptions and assessments which may contribute to theoretical models of PT risk perceptions. We utilised phenomenological research methodology, with data drawn from 61 purposively sampled participants. Data collection (through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews) and analyses were done concurrently to the point of saturation. Our inductive data coding and analyses through the constant comparison and content analytic techniques resulted in 4 code categories (conceptual dimensions), 27 codes (safety items/criteria), and 100 quotations (data segments). The vehicle condition, driver’s marital status and transport operator’s safety records were the most important criteria participants use in assessing bus safety. These findings imply that investment in, and maintenance of safer vehicles, and responsible and safety-conscious drivers, and prioritisation of passengers’ safety are key-targets for public bus/minibus operators in Ghana.
Notwithstanding the growing body of literature that recognises the importance of personal safety to public transport (PT) users, it remains unclear what PT users consider regarding their safety. In this study, we explore the criteria PT users in Ghana use to assess bus safety. This knowledge will afford a better understanding of PT users’ risk perceptions and assessments which may contribute to theoretical models of PT risk perceptions. We utilised phenomenological research methodology, with data drawn from 61 purposively sampled participants. Data collection (through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews) and analyses were done concurrently to the point of saturation. Our inductive data coding and analyses through the constant comparison and content analytic techniques resulted in 4 code categories (conceptual dimensions), 27 codes (safety items/criteria), and 100 quotations (data segments). The vehicle condition, driver’s marital status and transport operator’s safety records were the most important criteria participants use in assessing bus safety. These findings imply that investment in, and maintenance of safer vehicles, and responsible and safety-conscious drivers, and prioritisation of passengers’ safety are key-targets for public bus/minibus operators in Ghana.
Sam, E. F., Hamidu, O., & Daniels, S. (2018). SERVQUAL analysis of public bus transport services in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana: Core user perspectives. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 6,
Abstract
Encouraging public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through regular service quality evaluation and modification. Understanding user expectations of public transport are thus valuable, and the evaluations/perceptions are a useful way to gauge the performance of the public transport for core users. Using the SERVQUAL methodology, this study sought to analyse the core public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in Kumasi. Surveying more than 100 public transport users, the study results are illustrated in the case of Kumasi and are discussed to guide possible bus service quality improvements in the city. Data were analysed using the paired-samples t-test and standard multiple regression techniques. The study findings revealed vast differences between public bus transport service quality expectations and perceptions and a general dissatisfaction with the bus service delivery in the city. The bus service reliability and responsiveness were key to explaining the bus service quality in the city. On the basis of the study findings and international best practices, a number of recommendations were made for the transport operators and the city officials.
Encouraging public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through regular service quality evaluation and modification. Understanding user expectations of public transport are thus valuable, and the evaluations/perceptions are a useful way to gauge the performance of the public transport for core users. Using the SERVQUAL methodology, this study sought to analyse the core public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in Kumasi. Surveying more than 100 public transport users, the study results are illustrated in the case of Kumasi and are discussed to guide possible bus service quality improvements in the city. Data were analysed using the paired-samples t-test and standard multiple regression techniques. The study findings revealed vast differences between public bus transport service quality expectations and perceptions and a general dissatisfaction with the bus service delivery in the city. The bus service reliability and responsiveness were key to explaining the bus service quality in the city. On the basis of the study findings and international best practices, a number of recommendations were made for the transport operators and the city officials.
Sam, E. F. & Glozah, F. N.
2017 Ghana Geographers’ Association Conference. Ho, Ghana 3-5 August 2017
Paper presented:
Age, sex and socio-economic status do not moderate the relation between knowledge of safe road practices and attitude towards safe road practices in Ghanaian school children
Abstract
Children, especially those attending school, take high risks in traffic, particularly in relation to their regular interaction with the road environment. It is known that age, sex, and socio-economic circumstances of school children influence the relationship between their knowledge and attitude towards safe road practices, although this has not been explored among Ghanaian school children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) in the relationship between knowledge and attitude of safe road practices among Ghanaian school children. A random sample of 348 school children was drawn from 11 schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that age, sex and SES do not moderate the relation between knowledge of and attitude towards safe road practices. This result thus suggests that child traffic safety interventions and campaigns based on age, sex and SES may not be enough to guide children’s behaviour; likewise their knowledge and attitude. The study maintained that interventions targeted at the safety of the child-pedestrian especially in developing countries should go beyond educating them to acquire good knowledge and positive attitude of safe road practices to providing a safer environment that prioritises their needs, accommodates their curiosity and errors in traffic and enhances safer walking.
Children, especially those attending school, take high risks in traffic, particularly in relation to their regular interaction with the road environment. It is known that age, sex, and socio-economic circumstances of school children influence the relationship between their knowledge and attitude towards safe road practices, although this has not been explored among Ghanaian school children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) in the relationship between knowledge and attitude of safe road practices among Ghanaian school children. A random sample of 348 school children was drawn from 11 schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that age, sex and SES do not moderate the relation between knowledge of and attitude towards safe road practices. This result thus suggests that child traffic safety interventions and campaigns based on age, sex and SES may not be enough to guide children’s behaviour; likewise their knowledge and attitude. The study maintained that interventions targeted at the safety of the child-pedestrian especially in developing countries should go beyond educating them to acquire good knowledge and positive attitude of safe road practices to providing a safer environment that prioritises their needs, accommodates their curiosity and errors in traffic and enhances safer walking.
11th International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety (ICTCT) International course for early career road safety researchers*Enoch F. Sam*Lecturer*International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety and Palacky University*Olomouc, Czech Republic*24 October 2017*25 October 2017
Sam, E. F., Daniels, S., Brijs, k; Brijs, T., & Wets, G.
30th International Co-operation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety. Olomouc, Czech Republic 26-27 October 2017
Paper presented:
Modelling public bus/minibus transport accident severity in Ghana
Abstract
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011-2015. We estimated the probability of bus/minibus accident severity by fitting generalised ordered logit models. The findings revealed that the day of the week, the presence of road median, adverse weather, daylight condition, good road terrain, the presence of traffic controls, the manner of collisions, and where drunk driving was not involved are associated with elevated bus/minibus accident severity. Conversely, vehicle type, road shoulder condition, accident location and absence of traffic control reduce the severity of bus/minibus accidents. The research, policy, and practice implications of the findings are elucidated.
The current safety concerns with buses/minibuses (public transport) in both developed and developing countries have warranted a renewed interest in bus/minibus safety research. Prior to this, there was a paucity of research in this domain especially in developed countries where the safety associated with buses was deemed adequate. In this study, we examined the factors that influence bus/minibus accident severity in Ghana using bus/minibus accident data from 2011-2015. We estimated the probability of bus/minibus accident severity by fitting generalised ordered logit models. The findings revealed that the day of the week, the presence of road median, adverse weather, daylight condition, good road terrain, the presence of traffic controls, the manner of collisions, and where drunk driving was not involved are associated with elevated bus/minibus accident severity. Conversely, vehicle type, road shoulder condition, accident location and absence of traffic control reduce the severity of bus/minibus accidents. The research, policy, and practice implications of the findings are elucidated.
Sam, E. F. and Abane, A. M. (2017). Enhancing passenger safety and security in Ghana: Appraising public transport operators' recent interventions. Management Research and Practice, 9,
Abstract
There are increasing calls for regular monitoring and evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators, especially in developing countries where PT safety and security concerns abound. In respect of this, this study examined the passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Guided by the convergent parallel mixed methods design, data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six major intercity PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 intercity PT passengers. Field data were analysed using both thematic (qualitative data) and correlational (quantitative data) analyses in line with the study design. Varied perspectives on the state of PT passenger safety and security in the country were expressed, and operators’ current interventions in this regard were appraised. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
There are increasing calls for regular monitoring and evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators, especially in developing countries where PT safety and security concerns abound. In respect of this, this study examined the passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Guided by the convergent parallel mixed methods design, data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six major intercity PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 intercity PT passengers. Field data were analysed using both thematic (qualitative data) and correlational (quantitative data) analyses in line with the study design. Varied perspectives on the state of PT passenger safety and security in the country were expressed, and operators’ current interventions in this regard were appraised. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
Sam, E. F. and Osman Hamidu
International Conference for Engineering and Technology. University of London, London, UK 8-11 November, 2016
Paper presented:
Servqual Analysis of Public Bus Transport Services in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana: Frequent Core User Perspectives
Abstract
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
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.
