The Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited, Kale Cesar Esq., has described the commissioning of 100 new Isuzu buses as a major turning point in efforts to revamp Ghana’s public transport system and restore public confidence in mass transit services across the country.
Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony, the MMT Managing Director said the addition of the new fleet represents a renewed commitment by government to modernize public transportation, improve accessibility, and support the vision of a 24-hour economy.
The event was attended by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, deputy ministers, regional ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, diplomats, and officials of state institutions.
Welcoming guests to the MMT head office, Kale Cesar said the commissioning of the buses marked a historic milestone in the company’s operations.
“We are gathered here today for one purpose — to integrate the 100 newly acquired Isuzu buses into service for the people of Ghana,” he stated.
According to him, the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at promoting reliable and efficient public transportation while easing the burden on commuters.
He explained that the intervention is also aligned with government’s plans to support underserved communities, provide transport relief for elderly citizens, and encourage private sector participation in vehicle acquisition and financing.
The MMT Managing Director disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama tasked the new management team with resetting and transforming the company after years of operational difficulties.
“When President Mahama entrusted me and my two deputies with the responsibility of managing MMT, he challenged us to reset the company in line with his vision to revamp public transport services for the benefit of Ghanaians,” he said.
He praised the President for providing constant guidance and support throughout the process, adding that government backing had been instrumental in making the acquisition possible.
Kale Cesar further noted that the newly commissioned buses form part of a larger fleet expansion programme involving the procurement of 300 Isuzu buses.
He described the programme as a strategic national investment intended to improve daily transportation for millions of Ghanaians who depend on public transport to commute between their homes, workplaces, farms, and marketplaces.
According to him, the intervention came at a critical moment when the company was facing severe operational and financial challenges.
“Upon assumption of office, MMT was gasping for breath.
Things were no longer at ease. To quote Chinua Achebe, ‘Things Fall Apart.’ Indeed, MMT was operating under severe constraints,” he stated.
The Managing Director revealed that the company inherited an ageing fleet, mounting maintenance costs, distressing legacy debts, a shortage of technical staff, and a high number of non-operational vehicles.
Out of a total fleet of 461 buses inherited by the current administration, he said only 136 were operational, while 98 were serviceable and 227 had become completely unserviceable.
He said despite the difficult circumstances, government intervention through the Ministry of Transport and the MMT Board helped facilitate engagements with credible local and international financiers, paving the way for the successful acquisition of the buses.
Kale Cesar expressed optimism that the new buses would significantly improve service delivery, reliability, and passenger comfort while helping MMT regain public trust and reposition itself as a modern and efficient transport operator in Ghana.
He assured the government and the public that management would continue working tirelessly to overhaul the company and ensure that the investment translates into improved transport services nationwide.
By 1960news.com
