Solving Accra Transport Chaos Requires More Than Buses
Urban transportation in Ghana has been in a state of disarray for decades, with the collapse of the Omnibus Service Authority (OSA) in the 1970s and the subsequent failure of successive governments to provide a reliable and efficient public transportation system.
The introduction of Metro Mass Transit (MMT) in 2001 was meant to address the issue, but it shifted its focus to long-haul journeys, leaving urban commuting to private sector operators. The Ayalolo bus service, launched in 2015, was also expected to revolutionize urban transportation in Accra but suffered a premature death under the previous administration.
Currently, commuters in Accra are facing difficulties in finding transport back home after work, with some private operators exploiting vulnerable commuters by dividing journeys into multiple stops and charging passengers for each stop. The non-enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180) has contributed to the problem, as private informal bus operators are not required to operate under defined management structures.
The government’s response to the crisis has been to promise the delivery of more buses, with the MMT expected to take delivery of over 350 new buses by late January or the first week of February 2026. However, this solution is deemed insufficient, as the problem goes beyond the procurement of buses. The lack of an efficient public transportation policy and system, as well as the over-politization of publicly funded bus and coach companies, have led to the current state of affairs.
To address the issue, the government needs to revisit the LI 2180 of 2012 and license buses and trotros to operate on specific routes only. The government should also consider setting up an Accra City Transportation Authority to coordinate and plan transportation in the city. Furthermore, sufficient investment into infrastructure, such as new dedicated lanes, new buses, terminals, and financial support, is required to make urban transportation an essential lifeline of every city.
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