By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has disclosed that government will need significant financial resources to resume operations of the grounded Aayalolo buses.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Minister explained that while the Aayalolo service falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Local Government, his Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the buses return to the roads.
“The Aayalolo bus services do not lie under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport. They are under the Ministry of Local Government, but we are also aware that we need to collaborate to ensure that the buses are put back on the road for our people,” he said.
He revealed that discussions have already been held with the Minister of Local Government and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), particularly concerning terminals currently occupied by hawkers.
“We have visited the terminals, and we are working to ensure that Aayalolo buses resume operations. But a lot of them will require huge sums of money to put them back into service,” Mr. Nikpe added.
The Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, launched in 2016 in Accra, was intended to improve urban mobility. However, many of the buses have been grounded due to lack of maintenance and financial challenges. Critics have long described the project as underutilized and neglected, despite the huge initial investment.
Government says revamping the buses remains a priority, with ongoing discussions on how to mobilize funds and restore the service to its intended capacity.
