10 Metro Mass Buses to Return to Accra Roads to Ease Commuter Woes

Introduction

Public transportation in Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana, has faced significant strain in recent weeks, leading to increased frustration among residents. In a bid to alleviate the worsening traffic situation and rising transport fares, the government has announced an immediate intervention. According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, ten large-capacity Metro Mass Transit (MMT) buses are scheduled to return to the streets of Accra within the next 24 to 48 hours. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to commuters who have endured long queues and inflated prices, particularly during peak hours.

Key Points

Here are the essential details regarding the government’s intervention in Accra’s public transport sector:

Immediate Deployment of Fleet

The government has confirmed that approximately 10 large-capacity buses belonging to the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) scheme will be deployed onto Accra roads starting “tomorrow or in two days.” This rapid timeline highlights the urgency with which the administration is addressing the current transport crisis.

Government Statements

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, January 16, 2026, detailed the Transport Ministry’s directive. “He [the Transport Minister] has ordered that they should be fixed quickly, so we expect that in a matter of a day or two, they should be back on the road, about 10 large-capacity buses belonging to MMT. We believe that this will ease the situation a lot,” Ofosu stated.

Context of the Crisis

The decision comes after a period of deteriorating transport services in the Greater Accra Region. Commuters in areas such as Madina, Amasaman, and Kasoa have reported excessive waiting times and steep fare hikes during morning and evening rush hours. These challenges were exacerbated by the heavy travel demands of the December 2025 festive season.

Previous Interventions

The government had previously attempted to mitigate the issue by deploying about 40 buses from the State Transport Company (STC). While this offered some temporary relief, officials noted that some transport operators eventually reverted to problematic behaviors, necessitating the renewed focus on restoring the MMT fleet to full capacity.

Background

To understand the significance of this announcement, it is necessary to look at the state of public transport in Ghana’s capital. Accra relies heavily on a mix of private trotros, taxis, and state-run transport services. However, the reliability of state-run services has fluctuated over the years.

The Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Legacy

The Metro Mass Transit system was established to provide a structured, reliable, and affordable alternative to the informal transport sector. Over time, however, the fleet suffered from maintenance challenges, leading to a reduction in operational buses. The grounding of these buses due to mechanical breakdowns has left a void in the transport ecosystem, forcing commuters to rely solely on private operators who often adjust prices based on demand.

Post-Festive Season Strain

The period following the December 2025 holidays typically sees a surge in economic activity and movement. This year, the return to work and school coincided with a shortage of transport capacity. In neighborhoods like Madina and Kasoa, which are high-density residential areas with significant daily commuter traffic to the city center, the impact was severe. Reports indicated that passengers were waiting for hours, and transport fares were increased unilaterally by drivers, citing fuel costs and vehicle scarcity.

Government Response Timeline

The current administration, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has prioritized infrastructure and public service delivery. The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has been at the forefront of communicating these interventions. The directive to repair the grounded MMT buses was issued following reports of the escalating hardship faced by the public.

Analysis

The return of 10 MMT buses, while seemingly a modest number relative to the millions of daily trips in Accra, represents a strategic move with broader implications for the city’s transport dynamics.

Impact on Commuter Psychology and Economics

Psychologically, the visible presence of state-run buses offers reassurance to commuters that the government is actively managing the transport sector. Economically, the MMT buses operate on standardized fare structures. Their reintroduction introduces price competition, which can help stabilize or lower the exorbitant rates currently charged by some private drivers. By absorbing a segment of the commuting population, the buses reduce the “scarcity value” that allows private operators to hike prices.

Traffic Decongestion Strategy

Large-capacity buses are essential for decongestion. A single bus can remove 50 to 70 private vehicles or multiple trotros from the road. In cities like Accra, where road infrastructure struggles to keep pace with vehicle population, maximizing passenger throughput per vehicle is critical. The deployment of these buses along high-traffic corridors (likely the Madina-Accra, Amasaman-Accra, and Kasoa-Accra routes) will likely smooth out traffic flow during peak hours.

The Challenge of Sustainability

While the immediate relief is welcome, the analysis must consider sustainability. The buses were previously grounded due to breakdowns. The “quick fix” ordered by the Ministry implies that the repairs are expedited. The long-term success of this intervention depends on the logistical support, fuel supply, and maintenance schedules established for these 10 buses. If the fleet is not maintained, the current gains could be short-lived.

Broader Government Engagement

The visit of Vice Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to the Ministry of Transport on the same day as the announcement signals a high-level commitment to resolving transport issues. It suggests that the return of the buses is part of a larger strategy involving stakeholder engagement, policy review, and infrastructure assessment.

Practical Advice

For residents of Accra and frequent commuters, the return of the Metro Mass Transit buses offers an opportunity to adjust daily travel routines.

For Commuters

Plan for Peak Hours: While the buses will help, they may also attract large crowds initially. Commuters in high-traffic areas like Madina and Kasoa should consider adjusting their departure times slightly earlier to accommodate the new flow.

Know the Routes: MMT buses typically operate on fixed routes. Commuters should look out for announcements or signage on the buses indicating specific stops to ensure they are boarding the correct vehicle for their destination.

Payment Methods: Check if the MMT system has updated its payment methods. While traditionally cash-based, many modern transport systems are moving toward digital payments. Being prepared with the correct fare or digital wallet can speed up boarding times.

For Stakeholders and Drivers

Cooperation on the Roads: Private trotro and taxi drivers are advised to cooperate with the MMT buses. The goal is decongestion, which benefits all road users by reducing gridlock.

Adherence to Pricing: The government has signaled intolerance for arbitrary fare hikes. Private transport operators should maintain fair pricing to avoid losing customers to the more stable MMT option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The announcement of 10 Metro Mass Transit buses returning to Accra roads is a timely intervention to address the acute public transport crisis. Under the direction of the Transport Ministry and communicated by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, this move aims to restore order to the commuting experience in the Greater Accra Region. While the challenges of maintenance and sustainability remain, the immediate deployment offers a beacon of hope for millions of residents facing daily transport hardships. As the Vice President engages the Ministry to discuss further solutions, this development marks a critical step toward stabilizing Accra’s transport network.