The Transport Ministry has issued a stern warning to commercial drivers across the country to fall in line or risk losing their livelihoods to the state.
According to the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, private sector players in the transport industry will have themselves to blame if they fail to play their part in resolving the country’s ongoing transport challenges.
The Minister’s caution follows a government decision to procure 500 buses for the State Transport Company (STC) Limited.
Addressing the media after touring the offices of STC to assess its challenges, Mr. Nikpe assured the public of a speedy resolution to the current transportation difficulties, which have left many commuters struggling, especially during peak hours.
“There have been many questions about what we, as a government, are doing to address the transport challenges in the country. We all know the state in which the two transport companies under the Ministry of Transport found themselves in the past. When we took office, we held a retreat to assess the situation. A close look at their balance sheets showed they were burdened with loans they could not service, alongside operational challenges that were severely affecting their performance,” he said.
He added that the sector agreed to focus first on improving internal revenue.
“With the limited resources available, we identified key units that had been taken away from these companies and worked to restore them.
“For example, the parcel unit has now been returned to STC. In January alone, that unit generated over GH¢1.7 million — in just one month. The vehicle valuation service unit, which had also been taken away, is now operational again and has generated over GH¢500,000 within a short period.
“These are internal measures we are implementing in collaboration with workers at STC and Metro Mass Transit Limited. The goal is to strengthen the companies so they can confidently engage private investors. No investor will commit to companies that cannot service existing loans or demonstrate improving daily revenue.
“STC, once the most important travel company in the country, has declined over the years. It is now our responsibility — as management and as a government — to revamp, expand, and retool the company. However, we must first fix internal bottlenecks before any large-scale retooling can take place.
“We are positioning the companies to be able to service future loans used to procure buses, maintain fleets, and improve service delivery within the transport sector, particularly through STC and Metro Mass.
“I also want to commend the workers, especially those in the workshops who work around the clock to refurbish old buses. Many of the buses in the fleet are over six years old, which affects turnaround time and productivity. Without functioning workshops, the situation would be far worse. Thanks to their dedication, we are still able to return some buses to the roads.”
“It is good news that under President John Mahama, institutional arrangements are being put in place to retool, revamp, and reposition STC to reclaim its glory days. I am confident that in the near future, vehicle shortages and transport challenges will ease significantly.
“I want to caution the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities that exist now. If they fail to do so, a time may come when government intervention becomes so extensive that they may feel crowded out. The space is available now — they must seize it,” he stated.
He further urged large companies to consider providing staff transport.
“When management drives to work while employees struggle by the roadside looking for vehicles, productivity suffers. Providing staff buses ensures workers arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to perform.
“At the Ministry of Transport, we have taken a decision that no new vehicles will be purchased for management until we procure buses for staff. We believe this will improve punctuality and productivity. When staff are present and on time, the system works.
“We therefore encourage both private companies and public institutions to invest in staff buses. It will help workers get to work on time, return home safely, rest well, and come back the next day ready to contribute to national development.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of STC, Alhassan Ligbi, also assured that despite the dire financial situation, the state-owned company will soon see a positive turnaround.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
