The Ministry of Transport has recently taken decisive action to address the persistent transport challenges experienced in Accra during the evening rush hours. Starting Wednesday, 10 December, additional buses have been deployed on four major corridors within the city—Madina–Adenta, Achimota–Amasaman, Mallam–Kasoa, and the Tema Beach Road stretch. Each corridor will have at least eight extra buses operating between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., aiming to provide commuters with enhanced, safe, and reliable transportation options.
Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari emphasized that this initiative is a crucial emergency measure to support thousands of workers returning home after their workday. He highlighted the collaboration with the intercity STC and explained that the Ministry is utilizing STC buses once they complete longer trips, effectively maximizing available transport resources. This approach ensures the prompt deployment of buses without the need for procuring new vehicles, demonstrating a pragmatic and resourceful response to urgent commuter needs.
The Minister was clear that the measure is temporary but essential, targeting peak congestion periods when the demand for public transport surges. The choice of the four key corridors reflects strategic planning, focusing on routes with high commuter density and traffic bottlenecks. While the Ministry seeks to ease commuters’ daily burdens, it also acknowledges the need for a short-term solution while more permanent measures are considered.
Minister Bukari also used the occasion to address the behavior of some commercial drivers operating outside of established unions. He condemned these drivers for allegedly exploiting commuters during peak times and warned that strict enforcement actions are imminent. He urged all drivers to affiliate with recognized unions, asserting that anyone who refuses to do so will be removed from the roads. This move aims to restore order and improve regulation within the transport sector, enhancing safety and fairness for commuters and drivers alike.
The government’s rollout of this emergency bus deployment, together with its intention to crack down on unregulated commercial driving, signals a robust commitment to improving urban mobility in Accra. While these efforts address immediate transport concerns, they also lay groundwork for long-term reforms in public transportation management and regulation. Commuters and commercial drivers alike are encouraged to cooperate with the Ministry to ensure these measures succeed and to foster a safer and more efficient transit environment across the city.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku