Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has assured public and private transport operators that government is taking concrete steps to address the worsening transportation challenges confronting commuters across the country.
She gave the assurance during a brief engagement with transport operators at the Ministry of Transport, against the backdrop of growing public frustration over vehicle shortages, long queues at major terminals, and reports of unapproved fare increases, especially in Accra and other urban centres.
In recent weeks, the transport sector has been hit by what government officials describe as a mix of congestion, vehicle breakdowns, and alleged rent-seeking practices by some operators.
The situation has sparked public outcry and prompted the Transport Ministry to engage unions such as the GPRTU, while directing state transport agencies to restore idle buses to service.
Addressing operators, the Vice President said President John Dramani Mahama is personally committed to easing the crisis through the rapid expansion of the public transport fleet.
“Your Excellency the President has asked me to assure all of you that he will give support to Metro Mass, Aayalolo, and the private sector with new high-occupancy buses in order to augment the services in the medium term,” she said.
She further indicated that government is also moving to clear outstanding payment obligations to enable operators to deploy more vehicles quickly.
“We also have plans to ensure that those that need to be paid, that the process will be expedited to ensure they can put more buses on the road as soon and as quickly as possible,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated.
The Vice President used the occasion to call for cooperation and professionalism among transport operators, stressing that restoring public confidence in the sector requires fairness, accountability, and respect for passengers.
“So my plea is that let us continue to work together to develop a transportation system that prioritises fairness, efficiency, excellence,” she said, adding, “We can do this by upholding high standards, treating passengers with respect, and by so doing, we will also strengthen the trust of Ghanaians in the private transport sector.”
Government officials say the measures being rolled out, including the deployment of high-occupancy buses and tighter engagement with unions, are aimed at easing congestion, stabilising fares, and improving the daily commuting experience for the public.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
