The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) has reported a major improvement in travel time on the Adenta-Accra corridor following the introduction of the contra-flow arrangement for Ayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. According to Mr. Awudu Dawuda, Managing Director of GAPTE, a journey from Adenta to Accra, which ordinarily took about two-and-a-half hours during peak hours, was completed in just 23 minutes during the morning session of the first day of the intervention.
Mr. Dawuda disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency ahead of the evening session on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, the first day of implementation. He expressed confidence that commuters using the corridor during the evening peak could also complete the journey within approximately 23 to 25 minutes. The Managing Director further stated that about 8,000 passengers were transported from Adenta towards Accra during the morning session, demonstrating the capacity of the intervention to move large numbers of commuters efficiently.
Mr. Dawuda emphasized that GAPTE’s responsibility was to respond to passenger demands at locations where large numbers of commuters needed transportation. He noted that cooperation from short-haul drivers and private road users had been positive on the first day, while operational and safety challenges would be addressed as they emerged. GAPTE had also undertaken public sensitization on the new arrangement and urged the media to assist in educating commuters and other road users on the initiative.
The contra-flow arrangement, announced by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, covers the Amasaman-Accra, Adenta-Accra and Kasoa-Accra corridors. It operates during peak hours from 0600 hours to 0900 hours and 1600 hours to 2000 hours, with selected sections temporarily configured to allow authorized Ayalolo buses to travel against the normal flow of traffic in the priority direction.
This intervention is being implemented in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Urban Roads. The MTTD is providing traffic control and enforcement support at strategic locations and major intersections along the affected corridors. The designated lanes are strictly reserved for Ayalolo buses, with private vehicles, taxis, trotros and other unauthorized road users prohibited from using them.
Mr. Dawuda urged the public to embrace the arrangement, saying it has come to stay. He added that the intervention had already reduced passenger congestion at some points along the Adenta corridor, as buses were able to move commuters more efficiently. The Managing Director noted that this was the first time that such an intervention had been implemented as a traffic management principle in easing congestion in Greater Accra.
The GAPTE Managing Director expressed gratitude for the cooperation received so far and called on the media to support the education of commuters and other road users on the initiative. With the successful implementation of the contra-flow arrangement, GAPTE aims to improve the overall efficiency of public transportation in the Greater Accra region, reducing travel times and enhancing the commuting experience for thousands of passengers.
Key points
- The contra-flow arrangement has reduced travel time from Adenta to Accra from 2.5 hours to 23 minutes.
- About 8,000 passengers were transported from Adenta to Accra during the morning session of the first day.
- The intervention is being implemented in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Department of Urban Roads.
