Transport minister announces 500 bus boost for Metro Mass operations

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  Automotive and Transportation on Sat, Nov 01st, 2025 by Ghanaweb.com

Ghana’s Transport Minister Unveils 500-Bus Expansion for Metro Mass Operations

In a bold move aimed at transforming public transport across the country, Transport Minister Kwesi Amankwah announced today that the government will procure an additional 500 buses for the Metro Mass Transport Company (MMTC). The announcement, delivered during a press conference at the Ministry of Transport in Accra, marks a significant scaling‑up of the state‑owned company’s fleet, which currently operates a mix of diesel and low‑emission vehicles across major urban centres such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast.

Why 500 Buses?

The Minister explained that the decision comes after a comprehensive review of the MMTC’s service capacity and customer demand. “Our cities are growing, and the public transport sector must keep pace,” Amankwah said. “With this 500‑bus boost, we aim to reduce overcrowding, cut travel times, and provide a reliable, environmentally friendly alternative to private taxis and minibuses.”

The move also reflects a broader national strategy to modernise public transport, which includes a commitment to transition the entire fleet to low‑emission buses by 2030. In that context, the new buses will be a mix of hybrid and fully electric models sourced from reputable international manufacturers.

Funding and Procurement Process

The transport ministry has earmarked approximately GHS 500 million (roughly US$80 million) for the procurement, which will cover not only the purchase price of the vehicles but also associated infrastructure upgrades, such as charging stations for electric buses and expanded bus‑only lanes. The government will finance the acquisition through a combination of public funds and a targeted loan package from the African Development Bank.

Minister Amankwah outlined a procurement timeline that begins immediately. “The tender will be launched within the next month, and we anticipate the first batch of buses arriving within 12 months,” he said. The Ministry of Finance will collaborate with the MMTC’s procurement unit to ensure that the tender process is transparent, competitive, and meets international best practices.

Impact on Service Delivery

Metro Mass CEO, Dr. Patrick Osei, praised the announcement as a critical step forward. “With 500 new buses, we will be able to increase service frequency on our busiest routes by up to 40%,” he noted. “This expansion will directly benefit commuters, reduce waiting times, and improve overall safety.”

The new buses will be integrated into existing routes and also enable the MMTC to launch new services in underserved suburbs. The ministry expects a 30% increase in ridership over the next two years, which will translate into higher fare revenues and a better cost‑recovery ratio for the company.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The transport minister also highlighted the environmental advantages of the new fleet. “Electric and hybrid buses emit far fewer pollutants than conventional diesel models,” he said. “This initiative is part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in our cities.”

Beyond environmental gains, the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits. The procurement process will create jobs for local suppliers, technicians, and drivers. The MMTC’s CEO estimated that the expansion could generate up to 5,000 direct jobs within the next 18 months, with additional indirect employment opportunities in ancillary services.

Digitalisation and Future Plans

The announcement coincided with the launch of a new digital fare‑collection platform for Metro Mass. This system will enable real‑time passenger tracking, electronic ticketing, and data analytics to optimise routes and reduce inefficiencies. By integrating this technology with the new fleet, the Ministry hopes to create a seamless, user‑friendly public transport ecosystem.

Minister Amankwah also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the MMTC’s network beyond the major cities. “Our vision is to bring reliable, safe, and affordable public transport to every Ghanaian,” he said. “The 500‑bus boost is a stepping‑stone toward that goal.”

Related Coverage

The announcement has been widely covered by local media outlets, including a detailed report by the GhanaWeb business desk. A follow‑up article on the MMTC’s official website outlines the technical specifications of the new buses, which include 18‑seat models with advanced safety features and 12‑seat buses designed for high‑density routes. The website also provides a timeline of the tender process and a FAQ section addressing public concerns.

In addition, the Ghana News Agency released a short video featuring the Minister’s speech, where he emphasized the importance of public transport in driving economic growth and reducing traffic congestion. The video, available on the agency’s YouTube channel, shows scenes of commuters boarding the newly branded Metro Mass buses.

Conclusion

The Transport Minister’s announcement of a 500‑bus expansion for Metro Mass marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s public transport evolution. By scaling up the fleet, modernising vehicle technology, and integrating digital fare systems, the government is poised to deliver safer, cleaner, and more efficient travel options for Ghanaians. The initiative promises to spur economic activity, create jobs, and align the country’s transport infrastructure with global sustainability standards. As the procurement process unfolds, stakeholders and commuters alike will watch closely to see how this ambitious plan reshapes the daily commute across the nation.