The Acting Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), Awudu Dawuda, has disclosed that only 80 of the 245 Ayalolo buses acquired by the government in 2016 remain in operation across Accra. This shortfall has intensified the city’s transport difficulties, leaving commuters to endure long queues—especially during peak hours—in their struggle to access public transport.
Ayalolo, derived from the Ga phrase meaning “still moving on,” is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system introduced in Accra in 2016.
Overseen by GAPTE, the initiative was intended to ease traffic congestion and provide urban residents with a modern, scheduled public transport service. However, the services of these buses have slowed down in recent years. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mr Dawuda said that although 245 Ayalolo buses were procured in 2016 to operate solely within Accra, a significant number were later redeployed to other regions.
When it comes to urban mobility, we are all aware that it is important for the growth of any economy, especially when we are seeking to get more buses into the system,” he stated.
“When I took over, we were left with only 80 buses out of the 245 buses that the government procured in 2016. The buses were procured to operate within Accra alone, but 60 were taken to Kumasi, 10 to Takoradi, and another 10 to Tamale at the behest of the then Ministry of Transport,” he explained.
Mr Dawuda said the redeployment severely affected the operations of Ayalolo and limited its capacity to meet commuter demand in the capital. He, however, disclosed that steps are being taken to restore operations, including efforts to bring back buses stationed outside Accra.
Mr. Dawuda explained that upon assuming office, he engaged the authorities responsible for the buses in Kumasi and secured approval to transfer 60 of them to bolster Accra’s fleet. He further noted that close to 60 buses had been grounded due to mechanical failures, which had significantly reduced operational capacity.
“Nearly 60 of the buses were out of service because they had broken down. We took it upon ourselves to repair them with our own resources to return them to operation,” he stated. Expressing confidence, Mr. Dawuda added that these measures would help ease the transport challenges faced by commuters in Accra in the coming weeks.
Source: William Narh
