Gov’t Deploys Emergency Buses on Key Accra Routes to Ease Peak-Hour Transport Pressure
The Ministry of Transport has rolled out an emergency bus deployment strategy across four major transport corridors in Accra in a bid to ease the city’s growing peak-hour congestion. Beginning today, Wednesday, December 10, at least eight buses will operate on each selected route between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., the period considered most challenging for commuters heading home after work.
Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari, who briefed journalists on the initiative, said the temporary measure is meant to provide safer, more reliable, and more affordable travel options while long-term solutions are being explored.
According to him, the targeted corridors are the Accra–Madina–Adenta stretch, Accra–Achimota–Amasaman route, the Accra–Mallam–Kasoa corridor, and the Accra–Tema Beach Road. Each route will receive a minimum of eight State Transport Company (STC) buses, many of which are vehicles returning from long-haul assignments and not scheduled for immediate redeployment.
“We are beginning the deployment this evening and will ensure the buses are available during peak hours to support workers returning home. This is a collaborative effort with the STC, and we have identified vehicles that can immediately be put on the roads to ease the pressure,” the Minister explained.
Mr. Bukari added that the ministry intends to scale up the number of buses in the coming days to ensure that more commuters can be transported efficiently and safely.
Beyond easing traffic pressure, the Transport Minister also signalled a clampdown on commercial drivers who operate outside recognised transport unions. He criticised such operators for charging arbitrary fares, especially during peak periods, and undermining efforts to maintain order in the transport sector.
He stressed that only drivers affiliated with approved unions would be allowed to operate, noting that the ministry, together with transport unions, will begin a strict enforcement exercise to “flush out” unauthorised commercial drivers.
“We urge commuters to remain calm and support this initiative as we work to restore discipline and fairness within the transport industry,” he said.
