The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has instructed the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) to stick to advertised times for the contra-flow system. This initiative, which began two days ago, aims to promote a positive attitude to time management. The contra-flow system allows Aayalolo buses to travel in the priority direction against the normal flow of general traffic during peak hours.
The contra-flow traffic management initiative was implemented to address persistent traffic congestion in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. It covers three major commuter corridors: Amasaman–Accra, Adentan–Accra, and Kasoa–Accra. During peak periods, selected sections of these corridors will be temporarily configured to allow authorised Aayalolo BRT buses to travel in the priority direction.
According to Minister Ayariga, if the "business as usual" mentality where drivers wait for a long time for passengers before moving is allowed, the purpose of the contra-flow initiative will not be achieved. He stressed that the buses must leave at the advertised times, whether full or not, to change behaviour for the better. Ayariga cited Japan as an example, where trains leave at exactly the scheduled time.
The Managing Director of GAPTE, Dawuda Awudu, explained that the introduction of the contra-flow system for the Rapid Bus Transit would address traffic congestion and support economic activities beyond conventional working hours. The success of the policy depends partly on the availability of efficient transportation.
The Local Government Ministry, in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, GAPTE, and the Department of Urban Roads, implemented the contra-flow initiative. The buses operate from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the morning and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the evening.
Minister Ayariga made these statements at a breakfast meeting with development partners and heads of agencies in local governance on Thursday, October 1. He emphasized the importance of adhering to advertised times to achieve the desired outcomes of the contra-flow initiative.
The contra-flow system is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation in Accra. The initiative aims to reduce travel times and promote a more efficient use of time for commuters.
Key points
- The contra-flow system aims to reduce traffic congestion in Accra by allowing Aayalolo buses to travel in the priority direction during peak hours.
- Minister Ayariga has directed GAPTE to stick to advertised times for the contra-flow system to promote a positive attitude to time management.
- The initiative covers three major commuter corridors: Amasaman–Accra, Adentan–Accra, and Kasoa–Accra.
