An assessment of the potential impact of constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road on the local economy
Date
2015-04
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Abstract
Road construction typically confers significant benefits on the population the road
serves. In spite of these benefits, many roads in rural regions of developing
countries such as Ghana are in a deplorable state.
The recent rapid growth of urban residential areas in Ghana, however, has
necessitated the construction and rehabilitation of the roads linking these areas to
major commercial towns in the country. The Kwabenya (Abuom) to Kitase area is
a typical example. This study assesses the impact of constructing the Kwabenya
(Abuom) - Kitase road on the local economy.
This research drew heavily on primary data. However, some secondary data was
also used in this research in telling the story of the Kwabenya - Kitase road. The
study made extensive use of questionnaires and interviews. 100 questionnaires
were sent out to inhabitants and non-inhabitants of the area and 2 interviews were
conducted.
The research results revealed that, agricultural production was perceived by
several respondents as significantly being improved by the construction of the
road. The study however, identified other major sectors to be affected as
education, real estate, arts, entertainment and recreation, construction and
hospitality. It was also seen that in spite of the positive impacts, a construction of
the road was likely to come along with some negative implications such as the
destruction of arable land and a consequent change in the livelihoods of
inhabitants, especially within the Agyemanti - Kitase area.
The study established that constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road was likely to
boost the local economy. It also established from responses that there was the
concern that an influx of businesses is likely to diminish arable land for
construction and commercial purposes.
The study noted that local community participation should be increased in
constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road. Also, maintenance culture needed to be
enforced to sustain the benefits of the road.
Description
Thesis submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University College, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, April 2015
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Keywords
Ghana, Ashesi University College, road construction, local economy, public goods, Berekuso