The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has begun engagements with key stakeholders to revive the Aayalolo transport service and restore its original vision as a rapid mass transit system capable of easing chronic congestion in Ghana’s capital city, Accra.
The move follows growing concerns about the declining performance of the Aayalolo system, which was introduced in 2016 as part of Ghana’s ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) programme to provide fast, affordable and reliable public transport in Accra. The project, backed by the World Bank and other development partners, was originally designed to operate on dedicated lanes, but was later scaled into a Quality Bus System operating largely in mixed traffic.
During a working visit to the Aayalolo terminal and the offices of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) in Adenta on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Ayariga said the service must become genuinely rapid if it is to attract commuters and fulfil its purpose.
“People will only use the rapid transport system if indeed they are rapid. If you call it rapid and it is moving at the same snail pace as any other vehicle in town, nobody will patronize the facility,” he said.
Aayalolo, a Ga word meaning “still moving on”, was launched with the objective of reducing pressure on the Accra’s road network and providing an alternative to private vehicles and commercial minibuses. However, the absence of dedicated bus lanes, operational challenges and fleet management difficulties have limited the system’s effectiveness over the years.
Hon. Ayariga said rapid urbanization in Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and emerging cities such as Tamale required urgent reforms in public transportation.
According to him, the concentration of businesses, government offices, schools, hospitals and markets within limited areas of cities continues to fuel daily traffic congestion.
As part of efforts to restore the system, the Minister proposed dedicated traffic arrangements for Aayalolo buses during peak hours. Under the proposal, selected lanes on major commuter corridors could be reserved for Aayalolo buses travelling towards city centres between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the arrangement reversed during evening rush hours.
He suggested that the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service could assist with enforcement and facilitate the movement of buses along designated routes, including Adenta-Accra Central, Kasoa-Accra Central, Amansaman-Accra Central and the Accra-Tema corridor.
The Minister stressed that the proposals were not yet government policy, but ideas to be discussed with the President, John Dramani Mahama, Ministries of Transport, Roads and Highways, Interior and other relevant agencies.
Ayariga also raised concerns over the management of public transport assets, citing reports that about 10 and 60 Aayalolo buses transferred to Takoradi and Kumasi, thereby defeating the purpose of the program. Those that were sent to Kumasi were subsequently taken over by individuals, depriving operators of revenue for years. He warned that such practices threatened the sustainability of public transport investments. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that Aayalolo could be restored through stronger leadership, accountability and coordination among state institutions.
The GAPTE Managing Director, Awudu Dawuda said efforts were underway to expand the operational fleet ahead of the Christmas season. He disclosed to reporters that the agency had repaired 48 additional buses, increasing the number of operational buses in Greater Accra from 80 to 128, while several others remain under repair.
