By Rachel Quartey and Rukayatu Musah.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has inaugurated 100 newly acquired fuel efficient Metro Mass Transit (MMT) buses, describing the investment as a major step toward improving public transportation and supporting the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Speaking at the launch, the Vice President said efficient transport remains central to economic growth because it ensures the smooth movement of people, goods, and services across the country.
She noted that the new Isuzu buses would increase MMT’s carrying capacity, extend services to more communities, reduce commuter pressure, and provide safer and more dignified transport for passengers.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang linked the deployment directly to President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, explaining that the buses would support shift workers, traders, health professionals, and late-night economic activities under the planned 24-hour economy policy.
“When our transport system is efficient, people, goods and services move as they should. That is why enhancing public transport is central to our economy,” she stated.
The Vice President also called for professionalism, efficient scheduling, strict maintenance, and courteous customer service to ensure the buses remain operational and beneficial to commuters.
She further advocated increased local participation in future transport procurements, expressing hope that Ghanaian engineers and technicians would eventually support local assembly and component production for buses.
Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, in his remarks, described the inauguration as the beginning of a major reset of Ghana’s transport sector.
According to him, President Mahama tasked the Ministry of Transport to revive MMT and restore reliable transport services, particularly for underserved communities.
Mr. Nikpe disclosed that MMT was facing severe operational difficulties when the current administration assumed office, including broken-down buses, salary delays, and transport shortages during peak festive periods.
He praised drivers, mechanics, and workshop engineers for working tirelessly to restore grounded buses while efforts were made to secure the new fleet.
The Minister revealed that the 100 buses form only the first phase of a broader expansion programme, with government targeting the acquisition of an additional 200 buses.
He added that the transport sector reforms would also extend to STC, Ayalolo, rail, maritime, and aviation services.
Managing Director of MMT, Kale Cezar Esq., said government intervention came at a critical time when the company was “gasping for breath.”
He explained that MMT inherited an ageing fleet, mounting debts, rising maintenance costs, staff attrition, and a large number of non-operational buses.
According to him, only 136 out of 461 buses were operational when the new management took over, forcing the company to sustain nationwide operations with barely 115 active buses.
Kale Cezar described the acquisition as a strategic investment aimed at rebuilding confidence in Ghana’s public transport system.
He also highlighted operational challenges facing the company, including land encroachment on MMT properties and the lack of charging infrastructure needed for a future transition to electric buses.
Mr. Cezar appealed for government support to secure an additional 90 electric buses to ease transportation difficulties in major cities such as Accra and Kumasi.
He assured commuters that management and staff remain committed to restoring Metro Mass Transit to its former glory through discipline, maintenance, and improved service delivery.
The 100 buses have now officially been cleared for nationwide public service after completing registration, licensing, insurance, inspection, and branding processes.
