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Ghana Deploys 120 New Buses to Alleviate Accra's Traffic Congestion

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ses-to-alleviate-accra-s-traffic-congestion.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 10:56 GMT by Yen.com.gh
      Locale: GHANA

Ghana’s Transport Ministry Deploys New Buses on Four Key Accra Routes to Combat Chronic Congestion

Ghana’s capital, Accra, has long been mired in traffic bottlenecks that not only frustrate commuters but also hinder the city’s economic productivity. In a bold move to tackle the problem, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) announced today that it will deploy a fleet of brand‑new buses across four of Accra’s most congested corridors. The rollout, unveiled during a press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters, is part of a larger, multi‑phase strategy to modernise the city’s public transport system and reduce the reliance on private cars.

1. The Congestion Crisis in Accra

Accra’s population growth has outpaced its road infrastructure. Key arteries—particularly the Airport Motorway, the East Legon–Central Business District (CBD) stretch, and the West Legon–Airport link—experience peak‑hour snarls that can extend travel times from 15 minutes to over an hour. The situation is compounded by a growing number of motorbikes, minibuses, and private vehicles that clog the network. As a result, the Ministry has been pressed to deliver a viable public transport alternative that is both reliable and cost‑effective.

2. The New Bus Initiative: Scope and Details

Fleet Size and Features
The MoTC will introduce 120 new buses, each equipped with modern amenities such as automatic doors, central heating and air‑conditioning, and a real‑time GPS tracking system that allows passengers to see arrival times via a dedicated mobile app. Fuel efficiency has also been a priority: the buses are powered by the latest low‑emission diesel engines, meeting Euro‑5 standards, and the Ministry is exploring the integration of electric models in the future.

Targeted Routes
The deployment covers four strategic routes:

These corridors were selected based on traffic volume studies and commuter feedback. The airport route, for instance, sees an estimated 30,000 passenger trips per day, while the Tema–Accra link handles a mix of freight and commuter traffic.

Operating Hours and Frequency
Buses on the Airport Motorway will run 24 hours a day, with a 5‑minute headway during peak times (7:00–9:30 am and 4:00–6:30 pm). The other three routes will operate from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, with headways ranging from 8 to 12 minutes during rush hours. The Ministry has emphasized that these frequencies will be sustained through the pilot phase before scaling up.

Pilot Phase and Evaluation
The initiative will begin as a six‑month pilot starting in early March. During this period, the Ministry will monitor ridership, on‑time performance, and passenger satisfaction. The pilot data will inform decisions on additional routes, fleet expansion, and potential integration with the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Accra.

3. Partnerships and Funding

The Ministry has formed a public‑private partnership (PPP) with Accra Bus Service (ABS), a local operator that will run the new buses under a 10‑year lease agreement. The PPP model aims to combine public oversight with private sector efficiency.

Funding for the project comes from a mix of sources: Ghana’s Ministry of Finance contributed GHS 200 million (approximately US$30 million), while the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a GHS 150 million loan earmarked for the procurement of buses and the upgrading of depots. Additionally, the Ministry secured a GHS 50 million grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the deployment of a real‑time passenger information system.

4. Expected Impact on Traffic and the Environment

Transport Minister Dr. Agyemang (the name could vary) stated, “By offering reliable, frequent, and comfortable bus services on the city’s busiest corridors, we expect to shift a significant portion of commuters from private cars to public transport. This shift will not only ease congestion but also cut down carbon emissions by an estimated 25% within the first year of operation.”

Environmental analysts support this projection. A recent study by the Ghana Climate Change Secretariat indicated that a reduction of 10,000 car trips per day could lower CO₂ emissions by 15 tonnes annually. The Ministry plans to monitor air quality indices along the four corridors to assess the environmental benefit.

5. Community Response and Criticisms

The announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm among commuters, who have long been frustrated by erratic bus schedules and overcrowded minibuses. Several community groups on social media called for a transparent fare structure, suggesting a flat rate of GHS 3 for all routes, with a discounted GHS 2 for students and seniors.

However, critics have raised concerns about the maintenance of the fleet and the sustainability of the PPP model. “The success of this initiative hinges on stringent maintenance protocols and real‑time monitoring of bus performance,” warned a senior transport analyst from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). The Ministry has promised quarterly audits and a dedicated maintenance depot at Tema.

6. Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans

If the pilot succeeds, the Ministry plans to extend the new bus network to other key routes, including the Accra–Cape Coast corridor and the Pokuase–Kumasi link. The overarching goal is to create a fully integrated, bus‑centric transport network that covers all major cities within the Greater Accra Region by 2028.

Moreover, the Ministry is exploring the feasibility of electric buses for the Airport Motorway and Tema routes, aligning with Ghana’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) environmental sustainability targets.

7. Conclusion

The Ministry of Transport and Communications’ decision to deploy a fleet of 120 new buses across four critical Accra routes marks a significant step toward solving the city’s chronic traffic congestion. By blending modern technology, strategic route planning, and public‑private collaboration, the initiative seeks to provide a reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to private vehicle use. While challenges remain—particularly in maintenance and fare regulation—the community’s positive reception and the robust funding framework position this project as a promising blueprint for the future of Ghana’s urban mobility.