Public transport in Ghana’s capital has received a significant boost after the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) returned 48 previously grounded Aayalolo buses to active service, expanding the fleet operating across the city’s busiest corridors.
The move increases the number of operational Aayalolo buses from 80 to 128, providing thousands of daily commuters with more reliable transport while supporting efforts to ease chronic traffic congestion in the Greater Accra Region.
The announcement was made during a working visit by Mahama Ayariga, Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to the Aayalolo terminal in Madina, where he inspected operations and discussed measures to strengthen the capital’s public transport network.
Restoring buses to restore mobility
GAPTE Managing Director Awudu Dawuda said repairing the grounded buses became an immediate priority after the current management inherited a reduced operational fleet.
According to him, the organisation took over with only 80 buses in service, prompting an extensive repair programme to return additional vehicles to the road and improve passenger mobility across Accra.
The restored buses have now been deployed on Aayalolo’s major routes, commonly referred to as “corridors,” serving communities including Madina, Adentan, Ofankor, Amasaman, Kasoa and central Accra.
A response to Accra’s growing transport pressure
Accra’s rapid population growth has placed increasing pressure on its road network, with long queues, overcrowded commercial vehicles and extended commuting times becoming part of everyday life for many residents.
Transport planners believe expanding the Aayalolo fleet offers commuters a stronger alternative to private vehicles and informal transport, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
The latest deployment is also expected to improve service frequency by reducing waiting times and increasing the number of buses available across high-demand routes.
Government signals broader transport reforms
During his inspection tour, Minister Mahama Ayariga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the Aayalolo system and addressing operational challenges that have affected the service over recent years.
The minister’s visit included inspections of facilities at Madina, Achimota and Kinbu, where discussions focused on fleet maintenance, operational efficiency and the rehabilitation of additional buses that remain out of service.
Officials say the restoration programme forms part of a wider strategy to modernise urban public transportation and improve mobility for residents across the Greater Accra Region.
What commuters can expect
With 128 buses now operating, passengers are expected to experience:
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More buses on key Accra routes
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Shorter waiting times during peak periods
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Improved reliability of scheduled services
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Increased transport capacity across Greater Accra
While transport experts note that traffic congestion cannot be solved by fleet expansion alone, they say restoring dozens of buses represents an important step towards strengthening mass transit in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
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