On Wednesday, November 27, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated the inaugural fleet of 100 electric buses (EVs) for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT), a significant initiative aimed at revitalizing its operations and enhancing the transportation system in Ghana.
This initiative is poised to substantially reduce the cost of public transport across the nation, improve accessibility, and contribute to the global endeavor of minimizing carbon footprints. It is part of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government’s overarching ambition to modernize, innovate, and transform the public transport sector within the country.
The pilot phase of this program has thus established a benchmark for the integration of green technology into Ghana’s public transportation framework, ensuring healthier and more efficient transport solutions.
During the inauguration of the 100 buses in Adentan, a suburb of Accra, Vice President Bawumia articulated that the introduction of these electric vehicles would decrease public transport costs by 40 to 50 percent. He further emphasized that this intervention would also reduce the operational and maintenance expenses of MMT by 50 percent.
“I am immensely pleased to stand before you to commission the first batch of electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited, thereby augmenting its fleet, enhancing its operations, and heralding a new era of innovation in the provision of public transport services,” he stated.
“As the Minister noted, this transition towards electric vehicles is not solely intended for MMT, but for the entire public transport sector.” Dr. Bawumia reflected on the initial skepticism surrounding his proposal to transition public transport in Ghana to electric vehicles, recalling that many believed it to be an unattainable election promise. “This pervasive mindset of impossibility has regrettably persisted throughout our tenure in government over the past eight years,” he remarked.
The NPP Flagbearer articulated the Government’s ambitious vision to completely overhaul the public transport sector, which includes establishing a credit facility for members of the Ghana Public Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other organized transport associations to acquire electric buses. He urged all transport operators to join organized transport unions to take advantage of the government’s initiatives.
Despite facing skepticism from “naysayers” who harbor a “mindset of impossibility” regarding the government’s innovative plans, he remained resolute and committed to implementing electric vehicles (EVs) in Ghana’s public transport system.
“I firmly believe this is achievable. If other nations can successfully integrate electric buses into their public transport, why can’t Ghana? The transport sector is crucial for our economic growth and is essential for ensuring the success of education, job creation, market access, and healthcare,” he stated. The introduction of EVs is set to transform the transport landscape and aid in the global pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions. Vice President Bawumia added that the Government would partner with Technical, Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions to train technical personnel, ensuring a skilled workforce for the EV initiative.
Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiama, the Minister of Transport, emphasized that the EV program aligns with the government’s broader vision to revamp the entire public transport system. The initial fleet of 100 buses serves as a pilot phase aimed at identifying operational challenges and addressing them before a nationwide rollout.
Mr. Albert Adu Boahen, Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Ltd, expressed his gratitude to the Government for its support in providing these buses to enhance operations. He praised the government for launching the Electric Policy Framework in 2023, which will guide the successful implementation of EVs in Ghana. Mr. Adu Boahen noted that Metro Mass Transit would reduce its fuel costs by 55 percent, leading to more affordable transport fares and improved passenger services.
