Accessibility of pedestrian infrastructure along arterial roads to persons with disabilities in Kumasi

Abstract

The rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to accessible built environments include the convenient and safe use of roads and pedestrian infrastructure. This is founded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other related international and local legislation. These notwithstanding, this paper sought to ascertain whether the accessibility needs of PWDs were amply factored into decisions on pedestrian infrastructure. The study adopted a descriptive research design. It involved the use of a checklist developed from the Accessible Side-walks and Street Crossing information guide and the Ghana Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment to assess pedestrian infrastructure along five arterial roads leading to Kumasi, the second most populous city in Ghana. Interviews were also used to ascertain the opinions of 122 PWDs on the inclusiveness of the pedestrian infrastructure. The study found that the pedestrian infrastructure was not as inclusive as required. Maintenance was not given due attention and most PWDs had challenges with the pedestrian infrastructure. The study concludes that irrespective of the prevalence of both international and local standards in Ghana, the accessibility needs of PWDs are not amply factored into decisions on pedestrian infrastructure. Accordingly, policy should dwell on holistic enforcement of the accessibility standards in design, construction and maintenance. These will support the quest to enhance accessible transport systems and consequently efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11.