The government of Ghana is set to introduce Ayalolo buses with priority lanes on major corridors in Accra during peak hours, starting from Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The buses will operate on designated routes from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 8pm, with the aim of reducing congestion and improving public transportation. The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), and the Department of Urban Roads (DUR).
The Ayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services will cover three major corridors: Amasaman-Accra, Adenta-Accra, and Kasoa-Accra. These routes were selected due to the large number of commuters traveling into and out of central Accra during peak periods. The contra-flow arrangement will allow authorized Ayalolo buses to use selected lanes against the normal direction of traffic during peak hours, giving them a clearer route and reducing journey times.
The government expects the contra-flow system to make Ayalolo buses more reliable and punctual, reduce journey times, ease congestion on major approaches to the Central Business District (CBD), encourage more people to use public transport, reduce pressure caused by large numbers of private vehicles, and improve movement across the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. To ensure smooth implementation, the lanes will be marked with traffic cones and signages and managed by police MTTD and relevant authorities at major intersections.
During the operating periods, private cars, taxis, trotros, commercial vehicles, and other unauthorized road users will not be allowed to use the designated Ayalolo contra-flow lanes. Motorists using the affected corridors are advised to watch for traffic signs, road markings, and instructions from MTTD officers, and avoid entering the designated lanes. Pedestrians, businesses, and residents along the affected roads are also being asked to cooperate with traffic officers.
The designated corridors have specific pick-up points, including Amasaman, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and Achimota on the Amasaman corridor; Pokuase, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and Achimota on the Pokuase corridor; Kasoa main station, Old barrier, Tuba junction, old barrier, Weija barrier, and Kaneshie First light on the Kasoa corridor; and Adenta barrier, Madina junction, Legon, and 37 Hospital on the Adenta corridor.
The government has announced that the intervention forms part of its broader efforts to improve public transportation, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable and efficient mobility for commuters traveling into and out of Accra's Central Business District. The authorities have deployed Ayalolo buses on the Amasaman, Pokuase, Kasoa, and Adenta corridors during peak traffic hours, with Okadas, taxis, and private vehicles expected to follow the instructions of traffic officers.
The introduction of Ayalolo buses with priority lanes is expected to bring relief to commuters who have been struggling with congestion on Accra's roads. With the new system, commuters can expect a more efficient and reliable public transportation experience. The government has urged road users to cooperate with traffic officers and follow the instructions provided to ensure a smooth implementation of the new transport measure.
Key points
- The Ayalolo buses will operate on designated routes during peak hours, with priority lanes to reduce congestion and improve public transportation.
- The contra-flow arrangement will cover three major corridors: Amasaman-Accra, Adenta-Accra, and Kasoa-Accra.
- The government expects the contra-flow system to make Ayalolo buses more reliable and punctual, reduce journey times, and ease congestion on major approaches to the Central Business District.
