Transport System and Climate Change Risks: Potential Adaptation Constraints and Opportunities in Ghana

Abstract

This review explored the potential climate risks for transportation and probable institutional constraints and opportunities for adaptation in Ghana. Using documentary research and on the foundation of the Transport Sensitivity Framework and the Action Theory of Adaptation, policy and programme documents on transportation and climate change in Ghana were analyzed. The results indicate that potential consequences will be in two-fold; risks related to direct impacts on infrastructure and operations and risks associated with climate-induced socio-economic changes. There are three critical constraining issues; lack of data-driven information on potential climate impacts on transport systems; misalignment (or overlap) of institutional roles; and the lack of a framework for mainstreaming climate change documentation in transport plans. An opportunity for transport adaptation is that existing institutional and policy arrangements are amenable to review and reforms in the short-term. Thus, in amending these policies there must be concerted efforts towards the long-term integration of potential climate impacts and adaptation options into transport planning, designing, construction, maintenance, and operations.