Security Challenges in Public Transportation Sector in Cameroon: A Problem-Solving Approach to Safety Protocols in the North West Region

Public transportation systems in Sub-Saharan African countries face significant security challenges, ranging from bad roads, over-speeding, drunk driving, ultimately accident to violent crimes and terrorism threats. In Cameroon, inadequate safety protocols, weak regulatory enforcement, and insufficient infrastructure exacerbate these issues, posing risks to commuters, operators, and transport authorities. This study intend to (i) assess the security challenges in public transportation sector in the North West Region and (ii) propose sustainable strategies to enhance safety protocols. The research adopts a mixed-methods design, combining both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A total of 400 respondents, including commuters, transport operators, and security personnel, were selected using stratified random sampling across major highways in the region notably, Bamenda-Kumbo road axis, Bamenda-Fundong, Bamenda-Batibo, Bamenda-Bafut and Bamenda Santa road axis. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, while data analysis employed descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify patterns and trends. Findings reveal that 78% of respondents perceive public transport as unsafe due to weak law enforcement and a lack of surveillance technologies. Additionally, 65% report experiencing security incidents within the past years. While security agencies have introduced measures such as random checks and patrols, their effectiveness remains limited by resource constraints and systemic corruption. The study highlights that a problem-solving approach which incorporates advanced surveillance systems, community-based intelligence gathering, and robust policy enforcement can significantly improve safety outcomes. This study concludes that strengthening security management in public transportation requires a multi-stakeholder approach, integrating technology, governance, and community engagement.