The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has described the commissioning of 100 new buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) as a major milestone in government’s efforts to build a robust and reliable transport system capable of driving economic growth and improving mobility across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Accra on Friday May 22, the Transport Minister expressed gratitude to Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for her continuous encouragement and support to the Ministry and its agencies.
According to him, the Vice President’s visit to the Ministry of Transport and MMTL in January this year inspired staff and management to remain committed despite operational and financial challenges confronting the transport sector.
“Supported by His Excellency the President, we are able to soldier on to today,” he said.
Hon. Nikpe stressed that an efficient and dependable transport system remains essential for national development, explaining that transportation plays a critical role in connecting workers, traders and students to their destinations safely and on time.
“In an economy that will function and function well, we have to have a transport system that is very robust to deliver services day and night,” he noted.
He described the commissioning of the 100 Isuzu buses as a significant achievement that would improve public transportation and enhance connectivity across the country.
“This will connect us to our workplaces, this will connect us to our markets, this will connect us to our schools and this will get us to wherever we want to go in a safe manner,” the Minister stated.
The Transport Minister revealed that when the current administration took office, Metro Mass Transit was facing severe operational difficulties, including challenges with the timely payment of salaries.
However, he said with support from President John Dramani Mahama and encouragement from the Vice President, the situation has significantly improved.
“Today, I get reports from Metro Mass that salary payments are no longer a difficulty, meaning we are growing,” he said.
Hon. Nikpe commended the management, drivers and mechanical engineers of MMTL for their dedication and sacrifices in keeping the company operational, particularly during difficult periods when commuters across the country struggled to access transportation during festive seasons.
He recalled the challenges faced during Christmas and New Year periods when passengers, students and traders were stranded due to inadequate buses and transport services.
“It wasn’t easy for the Ministry of Transport and our agencies during the peak of Christmas and New Year when commuters, students and traders were stranded,” he said.
The Minister specifically praised workshop staff and engineers who worked extra hours to repair broken-down buses and keep the company running.
According to him, the successful management and operation of the newly commissioned buses would determine government’s ability to deliver the remaining 200 buses expected under the programme.
“We are here to commission 100, waiting for 200 more,” he stated.
Hon. Nikpe disclosed that government’s broader transport transformation agenda extends beyond Metro Mass Transit, adding that other transport agencies including Intercity STC Coaches Limited and the Ayalolo Bus Service system are also expected to benefit from ongoing reforms and investments.
He further indicated that government would soon commission projects within the rail, maritime and aviation sectors as part of efforts to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure.
“This is the only way we can serve our people and this is the way His Excellency the President wants the economy to be run,” he said.
The Minister urged Metro Mass Transit management to focus on internal restructuring and financial sustainability to ensure the company can eventually acquire additional buses using internally generated funds rather than relying solely on government intervention.
“We will not like a situation where you are given 100 buses and you cannot work internally to bring in more buses yourselves,” he cautioned.
He challenged the company to improve operational efficiency, maintain the buses properly and build a financially viable transport system capable of expanding independently over time.
Hon. Nikpe expressed appreciation to the Vice President for her leadership and support, saying her visit had brought renewed confidence and motivation to the Ministry and its agencies.
“Your coming has brought us smiles. We want to see you more and more in all our agencies so together we can move the transport industry to a higher level,” he added
By 1960news.com
