Long hours of work and long commutes in the Greater Accra region of Ghana: Time Poverty and Gender

Previous research suggests that women in sub-Saharan African and other low- and middleincome countries are more time-poor than men. There is also contrary evidence that highlights differences in female employment rates and access to basic infrastructure. This study examines gender differences in the length of the working day and time poverty in Ghana’s Greater Accra region. The analysis uses a unique primary dataset that includes time spent commuting to and from work and time in paid and unpaid work. Time spent commuting is salient in the Greater Accra region; commute times can be long and public transport, mainly by trotro, is often uncomfortable. The analysis shows that, when time commuting and in household work are included, women’s working days are longer and they are more time-poor than men. Women’s greater reliance on trotros for commuting and higher rates of small scale self-employment also contribute to their longer working days.