Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Tuesday led an emergency engagement with transport sector stakeholders in response to recent disruptions affecting intra-city commuters, underscoring the government’s resolve to restore order and improve public transport services.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, brought together the Minister for Transport and his deputy, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and his deputy, as well as leaders of major transport unions and driver associations. These included the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Ghana Road Transport Coordination Council, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, the Ghana Committed Drivers Association and the National Cargo Drivers Association.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said the engagement was convened to gain a clear understanding of the causes of the current transport challenges and to identify practical and lasting solutions to ensure commuters can travel safely and efficiently.
Discussions revealed that a major factor behind the disruptions is the lack of retooling and replacement of vehicles, which has placed significant strain on an ageing and steadily depleting fleet. Stakeholders noted that the transport sector has faced mounting pressure for years due to rapid population growth, with the current situation reflecting a system that has reached a critical point.
Transport unions told the meeting that they had not received any major retooling support over the past decade, a gap they said had weakened their ability to deliver reliable services to the public. The Vice President acknowledged the difficulties facing both commuters and operators, stressing the need for shared responsibility and national concern rather than assigning blame.
In response, President Mahama has assured transport unions of the government’s commitment to support retooling efforts, including the provision of new vehicles, as part of a broader plan to modernise and expand transport services nationwide. The government, however, expects unions to strengthen internal monitoring to ensure that commuters are treated with dignity, fairness and respect, particularly during the current challenges.
The engagement, officials said, signals the government’s determination to address the situation through cooperation between ministries, transport unions and relevant institutions. Authorities expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and decisive action would lead to a durable solution for the sector and relief for commuters.