Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has inaugurated Ghana’s first fleet of electric buses (EVs) in Accra.
The buses, which recently arrived in Accra, will undergo test operations and will be deployed on routes like the Oyibi-Accra road, Accra-Amasaman, and Ashaiman-Accra routes.
This initiative is expected to reduce the cost of public transport by 40%.
This initiative stems from Dr. Bawumia’s vision of adopting electric vehicles as a cost-saving measure for the transportation sector. Earlier in 2024, he unveiled plans to transition public transportation in Ghana to electric vehicles, citing their operational efficiency and potential to lower costs for passengers.
After a successful pilot, the project will expand to other parts of Accra before extending to Kumasi and other regions when additional buses arrive early next year.
The move aligns with the government’s broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban mobility, and enhancing affordability in public transportation.
Albert Adu Boahen, the Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited, said measures have been put in place to ensure effective use of the electric buses.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, Boahen noted that auxiliary facilities like charging devices are to be installed at all MTTD stations across the capital.
“This represents a remarkable 40% savings in operational costs, allowing us to reinvest in expanding and enhancing our services. Part of this cost reduction will also be passed on to the public through more affordable fares and reliable service.
“Additionally, electric buses provide a smoother and quieter ride, improving the overall passenger experience. The board and management are keenly aware of the paradigm shift in passenger preference in the emerging segmented market in the road transport industry.
“We know that it is our mandate as a company to ensure that the needed system, operational structures, and resources are in place for the effective management of these buses,” he stated.
