The Acting Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), Awudu Dawuda, has revealed that only 80 of the 245 Ayalolo buses procured by government in 2016 are currently operating in Accra, worsening the city’s public transport challenges.
His disclosure comes as commuters across Accra continue to endure long queues and delays, particularly during peak hours, due to limited public transport options.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show, Mr. Dawuda explained that although the buses were originally acquired to serve Accra exclusively, a significant number were later redeployed to other regions.
“When I took over, we were left with only 80 buses out of the 245 procured in 2016,” he said. “The buses were meant to operate in Accra alone, but 60 were sent to Kumasi, 10 to Takoradi, and another 10 to Tamale on the instruction of the then Ministry of Transport.”
According to him, the decision significantly weakened Ayalolo’s operational capacity and its ability to meet growing commuter demand in the capital.
Mr. Dawuda, however, said measures are underway to restore services, including plans to return some of the buses stationed outside Accra.
“I have written to the managers in Kumasi, and approval has been granted for us to bring back the 60 buses there to support operations in Accra,” he revealed.
He further noted that operational challenges were compounded by mechanical issues, with nearly 60 buses grounded due to breakdowns.
“Close to 60 buses were out of service because of mechanical problems. We have since repaired them through our own means to get them back on the road,” he added.
Mr. Dawuda expressed confidence that the ongoing interventions would significantly improve public transport services and reduce the burden on commuters in Accra in the coming weeks.
