Ghana Government Deploys More Buses for Aayalolo Contraflow Initiative

The Ghana government has announced plans to deploy more buses into the contraflow traffic management of the Bus Rapid Transport Aayalolo buses within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. This move follows the successful implementation of the initiative on three dedicated road corridors over the past two months. The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, presented four Honda dispatch motorbikes to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service to support the free movement of the Aayalolo buses.

The contraflow initiative was introduced to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the economic cost of gridlock in the city. The initiative runs during peak hours, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., covering the Amasaman–Accra, Adentan–Accra and Kasoa–Accra corridors. According to Minister Ayariga, the initiative has been very successful so far, but there are some logistical challenges that need to be addressed for the buses to achieve optimum benefit.

To address these challenges, Minister Ayariga has directed the Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive to increase the number of trips to accommodate the increasing number of passengers on the street around this time. The President, John Mahama, has also directed that more pick-up vehicles be procured to support the expansion exercise. Additionally, Minister Ayariga has asked all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to clear the roads of trading and encroachment on road infrastructure across the country.

The Local Government Minister added that key stakeholders, including the ministries of Local Government, Transport, and the Interior, and the MMDAs, are working together on a strategy to decongest the cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sekondi, and other places by blocking vehicles from accessing some parts of the cities during some periods of the day. The Police MTTD has also been tasked with enforcing the road traffic regulations to guarantee the safety of road users.

Some members of the public who have used the Aayalolo buses on the contraflow have shared positive experiences, citing improved travel time and reduced stress levels. A commuter, Michael Osei Bonsu, told the Daily Graphic that he has used the Accra-Kasoa corridor and has lasting memories of the efficient service. Another passenger, Amos Azindow, said that since the contraflow was implemented, he now heaves a sigh of relief as he gets home very early to help his children do their homework.

Passengers have also praised the Aayalolo bus service for its affordability and punctuality. Samirah Adine, who stays at Broadcasting but works at the Makola Shopping Mall, told the Daily Graphic that she preferred coming to the Kasoa Ayalolo bus terminal to pick the bus because it was affordable and did not get delayed on the road due to the police escort. Kwesi Dwumina, a senior citizen, also praised the service for giving preference to the aged and the physically challenged when it came to the seating plan.

The government has dispelled rumours that an Aayalolo bus got involved in an accident on the Amasaman route. Minister Ayariga assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of road users and would continue to work to improve the efficiency of the Aayalolo bus service. The Commanding Officer of the Police MTTD, Deputy Commissioner of Police Prince Jude Cobbinah, received the motorbikes on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.

Key points

• The Ghana government is deploying more buses and motorbikes to support the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit contraflow traffic management initiative.
• The initiative aims to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the economic cost of gridlock in the city.
• Passengers have praised the Aayalolo bus service for its affordability, punctuality, and efficient service.