Accra: The ongoing improvement of the Tumu-Bolgatanga and Tumu-Tamale roads has opened new opportunities for vehicle operators, given passengers more transportation options, and improved the quality and convenience of travel.
According to Ghana News Agency, several relatively luxurious vehicles, including the Voxy brand, have been introduced on the Tumu-Tamale and Tumu-Bolgatanga routes, offering commuters alternatives in their choice of vehicles when travelling. Passengers who previously had limited vehicle choices can now travel in relatively more comfortable vehicles, with some commuters preferring the new vehicles because of their convenience, speed, and protection from dust during journeys.
In an interview in Tumu, Mr. Mikailu Mohamud, Chairman of the Tumu Lorry Station, noted that passengers have increasingly developed a preference for the new vehicles at the station. He highlighted that this development is significant for both the station and the residents of the Sissala area. Passengers traveling between Tumu and Tamale, as well as Tumu and Bolgatanga, now have more options, with many commuters choosing between Voxy vehicles, Sprinter, and Urvan buses.
Mr. Mohamud attributed the growing presence of alternative vehicles on these routes to the ongoing construction and improvement of roads connecting Tumu to Tamale and Bolgatanga. He emphasized the importance of roads in transportation by land, stating that the improved infrastructure is facilitating the influx of new vehicle options from Tamale and Bolgatanga. He expressed optimism that the enhancement of road infrastructure would attract more vehicles and stimulate further development in communities across the Sissala area.
Drivers operating from the Tumu Transport Station have also reported positive impacts on their businesses due to the improved condition of the Tumu-Bolgatanga road. Mr. Mubarak Inusah, a driver, mentioned that smoother and more frequent trips are now possible, as drivers no longer face the difficulties they previously encountered, such as potholes. He also noted that the availability of Voxy vehicles on the Tamale-Wa route influenced his decision to operate from Tumu, where such vehicles were previously limited.
Mr. Inusah called on the government to increase security patrols along the Tumu-Bolgatanga road to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. Another driver, Mr. Mohammed Ayubs, remarked on the significant reduction in travel time between Tumu and Bolgatanga, noting that the journey, which used to take five to six hours, can now be completed in approximately two to three hours.
Passengers have welcomed the introduction of Voxy vehicles, though some have expressed concerns about the high cost of transporting luggage, which has become an additional financial burden, particularly for students traveling to school with their belongings. Despite these concerns, passengers are excited about the availability of different vehicles on the routes, and the convenience of direct transportation from Tumu, which eliminates the need to travel to Bolgatanga to connect to another vehicle. A passenger, Mr. Bayiluri Hafiz, described the new vehicles as comfortable and suitable for long-distance travel, appreciating the dust-free experience they provide.