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<p>This study unpacks how city governments in Africa view the socio-economic contexts and uses of footbridges. In many African cities, pedestrian footbridges perform social and economic functions beyond their intended roles. City authorities treat these socio-economic functions of footbridges with hostility. To enter the emerging debate on the “unapproved” uses of pedestrian footbridges, this paper explores the dynamic production, co-production and re-production of social and economic spaces around pedestrian footbridges. Using two pedestrian footbridges in Kumasi, Ghana, as case studies, the study adopted multiple qualitative data collection methods; including pedestrian counts and interviews, institutional consultations, interviews of traders and hawkers around the footbridges and focus group discussions of other local stakeholders. The study reveals multiple “unintended” uses of the footbridges. Aside the safety for pedestrians, footbridges produced open market spaces, passenger “pick-up” and “drop-off” points, and hawking activities, which shape their uses and relevance. A case for re-designing footbridges to be socio-economically relevant is made.</p>

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Pedestrian Footbridges and the Production of Socio-Economic Spaces in African Cities – Reflections from Kumasi, Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月23日

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  • Clifford Amoako,
  • Edward Ayebeng Botchway,
  • Aisha Adams,
  • Irene-Nora Dinye

摘要

This study unpacks how city governments in Africa view the socio-economic contexts and uses of footbridges. In many African cities, pedestrian footbridges perform social and economic functions beyond their intended roles. City authorities treat these socio-economic functions of footbridges with hostility. To enter the emerging debate on the “unapproved” uses of pedestrian footbridges, this paper explores the dynamic production, co-production and re-production of social and economic spaces around pedestrian footbridges. Using two pedestrian footbridges in Kumasi, Ghana, as case studies, the study adopted multiple qualitative data collection methods; including pedestrian counts and interviews, institutional consultations, interviews of traders and hawkers around the footbridges and focus group discussions of other local stakeholders. The study reveals multiple “unintended” uses of the footbridges. Aside the safety for pedestrians, footbridges produced open market spaces, passenger “pick-up” and “drop-off” points, and hawking activities, which shape their uses and relevance. A case for re-designing footbridges to be socio-economically relevant is made.