Tuesday, 27 January

Government moves to expand public transport as Majority Leader blames past neglect for system failures

News
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, says the government is moving decisively to transform Ghana’s public transportation system, outlining a set of interventions aimed at expanding capacity and improving reliability across the country.

Addressing concerns about congestion and inadequate public transport, Mr. Ayariga said the administration has already begun implementing measures to strengthen state-owned transport services while creating the conditions for increased private sector participation.

He explained that the government’s focus is on rebuilding a system that can efficiently serve commuters, particularly during peak travel periods.

According to the Majority Leader, the pressure on public transport became especially visible during the first Christmas season following the change of government, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

He said the current administration has responded by prioritising the expansion of bus fleets operated by state transport companies as a first step toward easing commuter challenges.

However, Mr. Ayariga blamed the current state of public transportation on what he described as years of neglect under the previous government. 

He said the low carrying capacity and widespread inefficiencies are among the clearest signs of institutional failure inherited by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration led by President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that the system was left dysfunctional and ill-prepared to meet public demand.

The Majority caucus further indicated that improvements in the broader financial and economic environment will enable private transport operators to scale up their services and complement public sector efforts, creating a more balanced and resilient transport network.

“Very soon, Ghanaians will witness significant improvements in public transportation within our cities,” Mr Ayariga said, stressing that the solution lies in a coordinated approach involving both government agencies and private operators.

He added that the planned reforms are anchored in prudent economic management, noting that sustainable and reliable public transportation depends on strong fiscal discipline, effective planning, and long-term investment.

The Majority Leader maintained that with these interventions underway, the government is confident of restoring efficiency and public confidence in Ghana’s urban transport system.

 

Source: classfmonline.com