Jennifer Hart on African Mobility and Infrastructure

Jennifer Hart's "Ghana on the Go" is a historical account of motor transportation in Ghana throughout the 20th century. The book challenges Western-centric narratives of automobility, highlighting how African entrepreneurs used motor vehicles for economic autonomy and social change. Hart's research emphasizes the contextual nature of technology, arguing that meaning is derived from use rather than inherent properties. The book explores the evolution of transportation in Ghana, from early motor vehicles to the contemporary landscape. It offers valuable insights into the interplay between technology, culture, and society in a non-Western context.

Jennifer Hart's "Making an African City" delves into the history of urban development and regulation in Accra, Ghana, during the colonial period. The book challenges conventional understandings of urban planning by examining how colonial models and theories shaped the city's formation and governance. Hart's research reveals the lasting impact of colonial practices on contemporary urban planning and engineering. The book explores the tensions between colonial authority and the agency of Accra's inhabitants, highlighting the resilience of local practices in the face of imposed regulations. It offers a critical perspective on the legacy of colonialism and its influence on urban development in Africa.