Minister Tasks New GAPTE Council to Transform Accra’s Transport Crisis

Accra: Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has inaugurated the 4th Executive Council of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE). He charged members to lead transformative reforms to address the capital's growing transport challenges. The inauguration, held as part of efforts to improve urban mobility within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), underscores the government's commitment to building an efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport system. According to Ghana News Agency, in his inaugural address, the Minister highlighted the critical role of GAPTE in shaping the transport landscape, noting that the institution has evolved significantly since its establishment under the Ghana Urban Transport Project in 2005. He explained that GAPTE's mandate spanned transport planning, network development, and public transport regulation, with a vision to deliver world-class mobility services across the capital. He emphasized the importance of the Ayalolo Bus System, which GAPTE coordinates, and called for its revitalization to support the government's 24-hour economy policy through continuous and reliable service delivery. Mr. Ahmed described the Executive Council as a cornerstone of Ghana's public transport reform agenda, stating that its establishment represented one of the most significant efforts to modernize urban transport since independence. He said the Council operated within the framework of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which requires Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to collaborate beyond their jurisdictions. The Minister urged members of the Council to abandon siloed approaches and adopt coordinated, inter-jurisdictional strategies to address mobility and accessibility challenges across GAMA. He highlighted a concerning picture of the current transport situation in Accra, noting that despite contributing between 34 and 39 percent of Ghana's GDP, the city's economic productivity w as hampered by an inefficient transport system. "About 70 percent of residents rely on informal transport services, while only a small portion of the population has easy access to structured public transport systems," he added. Beyond mobility challenges, the Minister indicated the rising human and environmental costs associated with the current system, referencing high rates of road crashes and fatalities, as well as the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and public health. Mr. Ibrahim called on the newly inaugurated Council to prioritize strategic planning, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and develop innovative solutions to improve transport efficiency and safety. "As leaders, your decisions will shape the future of urban mobility in Greater Accra for decades to come, so be committed despite anticipated challenges such as budget constraints and the complexity of coordinating across multiple jurisdictions," he stressed. The Minister also tasked local authorities to safeguard GAPTE infrastruct ure within their respective areas, stressing that improved transport systems would directly enhance the quality of life for residents. He expressed confidence that the 4th Executive Council of GAPTE would play a pivotal role in transforming the public transport system and driving sustainable development in the capital.