The Ministry of Transport has undergone a pre-inspection of the first batch of 100 buses out of the 300, which will serve as a means of transportation for Ghanaians, thereby reducing congestion, especially in the major cities during peak hours.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, did the inspection, accompanied by the Managing Director for Metro Mass Transit Limited, Mr. Kale Cesar Esq., and other officials. This initiative marks the first time in nine years that the Metro Mass Transit has received new cars.
This initiative by the government is being implemented to tackle the transportation issues in the country. Citizens face transportation issues in going about their daily duties; Citizens are faced with the difficulties of getting easy and affordable means of transportation.
The inadequacy of cars to effectively transport people sometimes leaves them stranded after work. Usually, during mornings and evenings, the roadside is filled with lots of people waiting to board cars either to work or to go home.
The Minister for Transport, Honorable Joseph Bukari Nikpe, saw the need to champion this cause and ensure safety and accessibility in transportation for Ghanaians. The buses, as communicated by the Ministry, are a step towards ensuring the needs of Ghanaians are met.
“These buses represent a critical step within a broader set of interventions aimed at improving mobility and easing commuting pressure across the country. As subsequent buses arrive, we move steadily toward a more efficient and accessible public transport system.”
Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey
The Deputy Minister for Transport stated that the introduction of the new buses is a step in the right direction as it “reflects a deliberate response to the needs of the Ghanaian people”.
This project forms part of the government’s “Reset Agenda” being spearheaded by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. This agenda is believed to encompass measures and strategies being implemented to achieve the developmental objectives of the government, leading to an improvement in the lives of Ghanaians.
The Ministry for Transport is not left out of the agenda, as they benefit from the new buses to promote its work. The arrival of these 100 buses will be followed by 200 more buses in the coming months.
Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey expressed excitement as she inspected the buses. She highlighted some of the equipment in the buses, which includes a charging port, full air-conditioning, cameras, handles for bottles, and chairs that can be reclined forward or backwards, highlighting its suitability for long journeys.
Ghana To Receive Additional Buses
The Managing Director for Metro Mass Transit Limited, Mr. Kale Cesar Esq., disclosed that after this batch, the next batch of 100 buses is expected to arrive between July and August, and the last 100 will also arrive between September and October.
He showed his excitement about the progress so far, stating that the “buses are fully furnished as we requested”, he further said the government is engaging other partners in acquiring more buses for the country.
The buses, as communicated, will be officially inspected by the Minister for Transport, Honorable Joseph Bukari Nikpe, at the appropriate time, after which President John Dramani Mahama will commission the buses.
Mr. Ceaser asserted that other suppliers are being engaged to equally add more buses to resolve the challenges within the transport sector. He announced that the buses will be deployed throughout the country.
He emphasized that the “transport deficit is affecting the whole country”, and no region will be left out of the project. He further asserted that the Metro Mass Transit operates 16 branches within the country, this means there will be an assessment in the deployment to ensure the whole country benefits from this initiative.
Mr. Ceaser noted that the collection of transport fares will be paid using the point-of-sale system. He said, “We have gone digital, and our collection of revenue is digital”. The Deputy Minister for Transport expressed her gratitude to Ghanaians and assured them that the government is working to put measures in place to revive the transport sector.
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