State of walkability within the Central Business District of Accra: a case study of infrastructural and perception-related issues

Walking remains the dominant mode of transport in Accra, yet the infrastructure supporting it is inadequate for the level of use recorded daily. This study assessed walkability in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) using a mixed-method approach combining user perception surveys, pedestrian counts, crash records (2018–2022), and a physical audit of pedestrian facilities. Factor analysis identified three dimensions shaping walkability, namely: (i) crossing, safety, and navigability; (ii) sidewalk condition and maintenance; and (iii) infrastructural inclusivity. Peak-hour pedestrian volumes ranged from 250 to 600 persons per hour across major corridors. Based on Highway Capacity Manual (2016) criteria, levels of service varied from A on Kojo Thompson Road to C on Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, highlighting uneven pedestrian conditions within the CBD. Despite high demand, sidewalks were often narrow, uneven, and obstructed, with poor drainage and lighting compounding safety risks. Accessibility features for persons with disabilities were largely absent. Crash analysis supported these findings, with nearly half of incidents occurring during road crossings and most crashes clustered during weekday peak periods. Altogether, the results reveal the marginalization of pedestrians within Accra’s automobile-oriented planning framework, underscoring the need for targeted investments in sidewalk quality, inclusive design, safe crossings, and vendor management.