The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has urged government to immediately deploy Aayalolo buses to ease mounting congestion in the country’s urban centres, as private operators continue to exploit commuters during peak hours.
Transportation in Accra has deteriorated in recent days, with long queues and inflated fares reported in areas such as Madina, Amasaman, and Kasoa.
The situation, worsened over the festive season, persists despite assurances from the Transport Ministry that measures are underway to address commuter hardships.
Speaking on Starr Today with Tutuwaa Danso, GRTCC Executive Secretary Ohene Yeboah called for a more structured management of public transport.
“The management of public transport should not be left in the hands of unions such as the GPRTU or private individuals,” he said, suggesting that a neutral authority—possibly a company operating under the National Road Safety Authority—should oversee operations.
Such an authority, Yeboah explained, could introduce a registration system, appoint terminal managers, and ensure operators pay terminal fees while adhering strictly to rules and regulations.
He highlighted the underutilisation of government-owned Aayalolo buses as a major factor exacerbating commuter woes.
“If these buses are deployed on the most difficult routes such as Kasoa, Nsawam, and Madina, the pressure on passengers will reduce. Once the buses remain idle and operations are left to private operators, they will definitely take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Yeboah stressed that the buses should be released with clear operational instructions, particularly during peak periods from 5am to 9am and 3pm to 7pm.
“With clear direction and proper routing on difficult corridors, I don’t think we will have any of these problems on our roads,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
