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Tag: Transport Ministry

  • Be patient, new fares coming soon – GPRTU to members after fuel price hike

    Be patient, new fares coming soon – GPRTU to members after fuel price hike

    The price of fuel jumped again this week, prompting calls for the government to cut fuel taxes. However, while the government is yet to respond to these calls, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union GPRTU has hinted at a possible price increase in transport fares.

    But the Deputy Secretary of the Union, Samuel Amoah, has urged drivers to exercise patience as discussions on transport fare adjustments are still ongoing.

    According to him, the Easter festivities and holidays have delayed their scheduled meeting with the Transport Ministry and other stakeholders to table concerns about transport rates.

    Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, Mr Amoah explained that

    “The Minister has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the way forward. Until this meeting takes place, we have not reached a conclusion on whether there will be an increment or the percentage, if any, that will be applied,” he said.

    He went on to appeal to the patience of commercial drivers, urging them to desist from taking unilateral actions, stressing that the leadership intends to finalise discussions with the Ministry before any decisions on fare adjustments are announced.

    Mr Amoah stated that the purpose of the upcoming meeting is to formally engage the Ministry before any official announcement is made, assuring members that new updates will be given as soon as possible.

    This comes after the drivers’ association on April 1 gave the government a forty-eight-hour (48) ultimatum to cut taxes on fuel, warning of a potential increase in transport fares.

    The ultimatum was announced by the Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer during an interview on Joy News’AM Show.

    He said, “We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it.

    “If they fail to do what this increment can, then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increment of transport fares for our members.”

    The ultimatum comes as the National Petroleum Authority announced new ex-pump price floors for April 1 to April 15, setting petrol at a minimum of GHS 13.30 per litre and diesel at GHS 17.10 per litre.

    This increase in petroleum products has been linked to the escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, the USA and Israel.

    Transport operators say any further increase at the pumps will inevitably be passed on to commuters, as operational costs surge. The GPRTU has indicated that while fares have remained unchanged for now, sustained fuel price hikes will force a review.

    Meanwhile, GPRTU’s commitment to increase fares comes just a few weeks after assuring commuters that it will not rush to adjust transport fares despite the recent increase in fuel prices.

    New prices of fuel took effect on Monday, March 17. As a result, petrol priced at GHȼ10.46 per litre moved to GHȼ11.57. The price floor for diesel has jumped from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, and LPG rose from GH¢9.38 to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme.

    The assurance follows growing public concern that recent increases in fuel prices at the pumps could trigger a corresponding rise in transport fares across the country.

    Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, backed the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, who earlier mentioned a possible upward adjustment of the fares following the fuel price hikes, citing fares were not determined solely by fuel prices but also by other operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants and taxes.

    “We all agreed that where it is now, we will not rush into making any decision but will wait to see what will happen next. We are going to maintain the fares we are taking for now because who knows, the fuel price may stabilise or there may be an increase or reduction in the next pricing window,” he said.

    According to him, authorities and other stakeholders met with the leadership of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana on Monday, March 16, and after the meeting, it was concluded that the current fares are to remain for the time being.

    According to Amoah, the unions rely on a technical team to monitor market conditions and provide guidance on when fare adjustments may be necessary.

    “We have a technical team that goes out to check all these things and reports. Per their report, there is a need for us to hold on to see what will happen in the next pricing window. We do not know where it will go. What if we increase, and then in the next pricing window, it goes up to where we can’t control the situation? We will not know what to tell our members, and we can’t come back to tell the public that we are coming in for another increment,” Amoah said.

  • Transport Ministry begins probe into sale of alleged unserviceable 313 Metro Mass buses at GH¢2.5k-6k

    Transport Ministry begins probe into sale of alleged unserviceable 313 Metro Mass buses at GH¢2.5k-6k

    Transport Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe has launched an investigation into the controversial sale of some 313 Metro Mass Transport buses under the leadership of the previous administration.

    This comes after the Deputy Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited, Haroun Apaw Wiredu, highlighted a questionable transaction by a committee set up by the erstwhile government, called the Board of Survey, in October 2020, involving buses owned by the state-owned public bus company.

    Speaking during an interview with TV3 on Monday, January 19, Mr Wiredu highlighted inconsistencies uncovered by his outfit in the pricing of some buses, particularly the prices at which each of the 313 buses was sold. According to him, prices ranged from GH¢2,500 to GH¢6,000, with the lowest sale price being labelled as scrap.

    However, Mr Wiredu disputes the “scrap” label, noting that:

    “Yes. You see, surprisingly, on the face of the receipt, you could have some with bus registration numbers from 2017. My dear Metro Mass, we don’t purchase even home-use buses. All our buses are brand new. So, can you just imagine having a brand new bus in your fleet with a registration number from 2017? There couldn’t be any reason for you to sell the bus at the rate you see there.

    “Even an ordinary Vitz, an ordinary Toyota Vitz,  if a vehicle is so dilapidated, will you sell a Vitz at a cheaper rate of, say, GH¢5,000, less than GH¢10,000? Obviously, no. You never do that. So this is what we felt: that a serious crime has been perpetrated against the company.”

    The sale was carried out in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, raising suspicions of political motives and cronyism.

    Transport Minister’s response

    Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe addressed concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the sale of the buses, stating that he has charged management and the board to probe the matter. He noted that it would be premature to conclude whether the prices were justified or otherwise.

    “As for the auctions, this was what we had, but the boards are going through whether or not they are of correct merit for that amount. It is not something that I can just say that it was over- or under-priced, but they were auctions. If we need to question and go into it, I have instructed management and the board to have a second look at it,” he said.

    He continued that the questionable sales were among the many setbacks uncovered by his outfit and explained that, since assuming office, he has focused on sanitising the sector. Among the measures taken, he said:

    “We are now telling our transport unions like STC and Metro Mass that, at all times, whatever you are doing, you must ensure that you renew your fleet. It will no longer be that you allow them to deteriorate to some stage and then auction them. We are looking at retooling them, and when we do that, it is now going to be a duty that, at all times, they will continuously replace whatever they are using every year, at least to start.”

    Receipts of the sales

    A number of official MMT receipts have circulated on social media and Ghanaian news platforms. Breaking down the details of the receipts, Mr Wiredu noted that:

    “And if you check the receipts that you have, there’s a particular receipt where one amount was even quoted as GH¢2,500. If you check the face of the receipt, you could see GH¢2,200. So that is a vindication.

    “The second aspect has to do with the condition of the buses at the time. They were at different degrees, so the rates also differ. You can properly situate or know the total cost of those buses by dividing the total cost by the number of fleets you see on the receipt.

    “If you check, they deliberately decided to put about four or five together on one receipt and quoted GH¢13,000 on it. Let me run you through one or two of them. I have with me here one particular receipt that bears the name Wami J. Asante.

    “On this particular receipt, you could observe that we have GH¢22,000. In that amount, we identify buses with fleet numbers 2676, 2680 and 2682. Those buses, you have to divide the GH¢22,000 by four or by three to give you about plus or minus GH¢6,000 for each one.”

  • Drivers push through 15% fare hike without GPRTU, ministry’s approval, effective Nov. 2

    Drivers push through 15% fare hike without GPRTU, ministry’s approval, effective Nov. 2

    In a move set to impact passengers nationwide, the Concerned Drivers Association (CDA) has announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective November 2, 2024. The fare hike, CDA says, stems from soaring vehicle maintenance costs driven by sharp rises in spare parts prices.

    Public Relations Officer David Agboado addressed the decision during an October 29 press briefing, pointing out that vehicle maintenance costs have surged by over 200%, while other operational expenses, like fuel, have increased by around 120%.

    “The reason why we came out with this 15% is because of the high cost of running vehicles. Servicing vehicles, the things for which we are looking at to increase transport fares, are all very, very positive,” Agboado stated.

    Initially, CDA considered a 25% fare increase. However, Agboado explained that the association decided on a smaller hike, considering the election period and the country’s current economic challenges.

    “If we want to go by the percentage, we would be charging 25%. But we have thought it right that things are not normal and we are in an election year too. We don’t want to jeopardise the situation. That’s why we are coming with 15% starting from November 2,” he added.

    The fare adjustment will affect all forms of public transport, from intra-city minibuses (known as “trotro“) to intercity buses, potentially impacting commuting costs across Ghana. According to Agboado, this fare increase will proceed without formal approval from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) or the Transport Ministry.

    The association justified this decision, comparing it to the spare parts sector, which CDA claims operates without the need for government approval for price adjustments.

    Agboado remarked, “When they [spare parts dealers] increase their products, they don’t go to the Ministry of Trade, but why, when we are about to increase our transport fare, everybody wants us to go and talk to the minister?”

    The Concerned Drivers Association represents 15 smaller transport groups, separate from the GPRTU, which is often involved in negotiating fare adjustments with government authorities. According to Agboado, GPRTU had advised CDA to delay the increase, but CDA intends to move forward. “It’s not everything that we need to engage the Transport Ministry on because we have been back and forth with these issues,” he noted.

    Passengers across the country have been advised to prepare for the upcoming fare hike, which CDA insists is necessary to sustain their operations amidst rising operational costs.

  • Transport Ministry conducts 2024 strategic review meeting to evaluate sector performance

    Transport Ministry conducts 2024 strategic review meeting to evaluate sector performance


    The Ministry of Transport convened its 2024 strategic review session in Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region.

    This gathering provided an invaluable platform for the Transport Ministry and its affiliated agencies to assess their programs and projects, review their implementation progress, address challenges, and chart a way forward.

    The overarching aim of the strategic review meeting was to ensure that the sector’s initiatives align with the national vision outlined in the President’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies.

    Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of the Ghana Civil Service, urged civil servants to embrace technological advancements in the transportation sector as part of effective governance.

    He urged agencies within the Ministry of Transport to prioritize professionalism, sustainability, service excellence, accountability, and the adoption of best practices to propel sectoral growth.

    Juliana Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, emphasized the pivotal role of the transport sector in every facet of human life and the socio-economic advancement of Ghana.

    “Transport, as we are aware, controls the economic outcome of every country as it is essential for the movement of goods and services in terms of our land, sea, air and all, facilitating trade and commerce. Transportation systems enable businesses to access markets, deliver products to customers and service raw materials,” she said.

    Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah delineated several accomplishments within the maritime sector.

    “We have constructed a new liquid bulk terminal at Takoradi port, constructed a multipurpose terminal at Takoradi port of which phase 1 has been completed. The operation will commence around July. We have completed a construction of a four berth dedicated container terminal at Tema Port, MPS, installed 16 state of the art ship-to-shore cranes and 3 rubber tyre gantry cranes as part of the retooling through the MPS terminal, constructed 12 fish landing sites along the coast, constructed a fishing port for Elmina, constructed the James town fishing port which is nearing completion, we are about 93%,” he stated.

    He continued that “we are developing the Boankra Integrated Logistics terminal which is ongoing, removed tree stumps along the navigable path of the Volta lake, completed an assessment study on the Volta lake, acquire a total of 7 high speed patrol and rescue boat for surveillance and monitoring of Ghana territorial waters, acquired trash skimmers to remove rubbish and materials from water bodies and protect sea life.”

    He encouraged the agencies to innovate to meet the changing needs of stakeholders and navigate the complexities of the industry.

    “It is important that you continuously strive to improve and innovate our respective force of endeavour. This means staying up to date with the latest industry trends, understanding the needs and demands of the people and fostering culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence,” he said.

    The 2024 strategic meeting of the Ministry of Transport saw the attendance of Board Chairpersons and Agency Heads from organizations such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and Ghana Maritime Authority, among others.

  • You have no power to order arrest of drivers over transport fare – Joyce Bawah tells Transport Ministry

    You have no power to order arrest of drivers over transport fare – Joyce Bawah tells Transport Ministry

    Former Deputy Transport Minister, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has questioned the Transport Ministry‘s authority to order the arrest of private transport drivers for increasing their fares.

    She indicated that the ministry lacks the mandate to do so. She contends that as long as fuel prices continue to rise, drivers have the right to adjust their fares accordingly, citing economic factors as the basis for their decision.

    Mogtari’s assertion, echoed in a post on X on Tuesday, April 16, read: “The Transport Minister or is it the Ministry of Transport has absolutely no power to ask the Police to arrest drivers of private vehicles who have increased fares because of the recent increase in fuel prices!”

    The Ministry’s directive, issued on Monday, April 15, instructing the Ghana Police Service to monitor and apprehend drivers charging fares above approved rates, was met with skepticism by Joyce Bawah.

    In response to drivers’ concerns about the necessity of fare hikes due to escalating fuel prices, the Ministry emphasized ongoing negotiations for new public transport fares with Road Transport Operators.

  • Transport sector is deregulated; you have no power to control fares – COPEC tells Transport Ministry

    Transport sector is deregulated; you have no power to control fares – COPEC tells Transport Ministry

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has criticized the Transport Ministry for its recent directive to the Ghana Police Service regarding the enforcement of new transport fares.

    COPEC argues that the Ministry lacks the authority to regulate transport fares in a deregulated market.

    In response to drivers’ concerns about the need to increase fares due to rising fuel prices, the Ministry issued a directive on Monday, April 15, instructing the Ghana Police Service to monitor and apprehend commercial drivers who charge fares exceeding the approved rates.

    The Ministry stated that negotiations for new public transport fares are currently ongoing with Road Transport Operators.

    Ghana’s Transport Minister. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah

    COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, however, disputes the Ministry’s authority in this matter, insisting that it cannot compel transport unions to adhere to its directive.

    Mr Amoah contends that the Ministry’s directive is ineffective and inappropriate as it has failed to address the underlying factors contributing to the alleged fare increases.

    “The Transport Ministry has no basis in law to determine transport fares, especially in a deregulated market like we have, where the cost of fare is passed on and not regulated by government. The cost of insurance is simply added on year in, and year out.

    “The cost of fuel goes up at will. As and when the dollar goes up, as and when international markets go up, as and when taxes go up, your fuel prices are rising.”

    “Why is the Transport Ministry in all of these discussions? And so we think that the Transport Ministry should not arrogate onto itself constitutional powers that it does not have at present to even call for the arrest of a driver or drivers simply because they are trying to recover costs of their operation.

    “I am not suggesting the drivers should just go ahead and charge too much, but if there is a need for them to go up in transport fare, so be it.”

    Meanwhile, the Association of Passengers Ghana has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparent communication from transport operators concerning proposed increases in transport fares nationwide.

    The association voiced concerns that the ambiguity surrounding approved fares might escalate tensions between passengers and transport operators.

  • Transport Ministry orders police, security agencies to apprehend drivers who have hiked fares

    Transport Ministry orders police, security agencies to apprehend drivers who have hiked fares

    The Ministry of Transport has directed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to lookout for transport operators charging fares above the approved ones.

    In a directive issued on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry called upon the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to apprehend any driver found contravening the existing fare regulations.

    “Therefore, the Ministry is by this statement urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC,” the statement said.

    Amidst ongoing negotiations for revised public transport fares prompted by the recent surge in fuel prices and operational costs, the Ministry of Transport has underscored the necessity of adhering to the current fares set by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

    The Ministry’s Public Relations Unit has emphasised that drivers must strictly comply with the established fares, cautioning of legal repercussions for those who fail to adhere to the directive.

    Simultaneously, the GPRTU and GRTCC issued a joint statement on Thursday, April 11, 2024, urging commuters to refrain from paying any additional charges beyond the approved fares.

    They denounced unilateral fare increases by certain commercial drivers as illegal, reaffirming ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport to resolve fare adjustments.

    Acknowledging the challenges posed by escalating fuel costs and associated expenses, two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, announced a 15% fare hike, slated to be implemented on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

    These groups cited rising fuel prices, government inaction on petrol cost reductions, and the increased expense of vehicle spare parts and lubricants as reasons for the fare increment.

    However, the Ministry’s directive stands in contrast to these independent fare adjustments, underscoring the importance of adhering to the approved fare structures until further consensus is reached.

  • Trotro, Taxi drivers charging unapproved fares to be arrested

    Trotro, Taxi drivers charging unapproved fares to be arrested

    The Ministry of Transport has instructed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to watch for any commercial driver who is charging new transport fares that exceed the current rates, which is putting undue strain on passengers.

    In a statement released in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, and signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Ministry stated that negotiations for new public transport fares are still ongoing with the Road Transport Operators following the recent increase in fuel prices and other related operational costs.

    The Ministry urged commercial drivers to continue charging the current public transport fares as directed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

    It warned that those who fail to comply with this directive will face legal consequences.

    “The Ministry is urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC”, the statement in part read.

    On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) issued a joint statement in Accra, urging commuters not to pay any extra transport fares beyond the current rates.

    The unions labeled the reported fare hikes by some commercial drivers as illegal and emphasized that discussions with the Ministry of Transport regarding new charges were still ongoing.

    “We are currently engaging stakeholders to consider the various cost components and agree on the way forward. As has been the practice, the leadership met with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday 10th April, 2024, to present our demands. Once consensus is reached, the general public will be duly informed”, the statement in part read.

    Two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, announced a 15% increase in transport fares effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.

    The decision was attributed to the recent increment in fuel prices, the government’s perceived indifference to reducing petrol prices, and the rising costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants.

  • Mahama to merge Transport, Aviation and Railways ministries; Communication and Information ministries

    Mahama to merge Transport, Aviation and Railways ministries; Communication and Information ministries

    The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans to merge the Transport, Aviation, and Railways ministries into a single ministry if he wins the upcoming December elections and assumes the presidency.

    “It is not only the Sanitation Ministry, in Transport, Aviation and Railways, we are going to close them down and send them back to the Transport Ministry. We are going to combine Communications and Information again. So we want to reduce the number of ministries,” he announced.

    He also announced his intention to dissolve the Sanitation Ministry. Mr Mahama criticized the ministry’s performance, stating that it has failed to fulfil its responsibilities and has led to the wastage of scarce resources.

    Mahama expressed disappointment at the current unsanitary conditions in the country, asserting that they have worsened since the establishment of the ministry, which he deemed to be ineffective.

    “We will close down the Ministry of Sanitation, one, to reduce expenditure and two, I don’t see any use. The country is dirtier than when there was no Ministry of Sanitation.”

    “Indeed, this country was cleaner when sanitation was under Local Government than as a standalone ministry and we will close that ministry and we will take the Sanitation schedule back to Local Government because we want to reduce government expenditure.”

  • Transport Ministry calls transport operators for discussions over transport fares increment proposal

    Transport Ministry calls transport operators for discussions over transport fares increment proposal

    Deputy Minister for Transport, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, has revealed plans to engage with transport operators to discuss the proposed increase in fares.

    The minister explained that such discussions are part of an ongoing arrangement between the government and transport operators.

    Factors contributing to a potential fare increase will be thoroughly considered during these discussions, taking into account the impact on lorry fares and other relevant considerations.

    “Normally, you would bring all these things and we also look at them realistically. Is DVLA actually charging any new rate? As far as we know, no. Have the taxes kicked in? As far as we are concerned, the taxes have not kicked in”.

    During the AM Show, he expressed the need to initiate discussions with Godfred Abulbire, the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, using the appropriate channels.

    He highlighted that such discussions typically take place at the Ministry of Transport, providing a platform for all stakeholders to come together and address relevant issues.

    “It is even possible that all of these things put together will bring up the fare more than 20%. Is it likely that it would come down below 20%? Let’s have a conversation. This is not difficult,” he said on Thursday, January 18.

    However, Godfred Abulbire clarified that the Ghana Private Road Transport Union had previously submitted a petition to Parliament in November of last year.

    “We didn’t talk about the other taxes on the other one but these two components we heard. We were even to get it on the website and we printed it out before we submitted the petition but the minister is saying that, we should have as usual petitioned to the parliament through them.”

    Mr. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that they have an excellent relationship with the transport operators, and this is not an issue that should break their bond.

    The Minister said that despite the challenges facing the transport sector, he remained committed to maintaining a good relationship with transport operators.

    He stated that this issue should not damage the bond between the government and the transport sector, and that a solution could be reached through open communication and collaboration.

    “Let’s have an engagement like we have been doing in the past, let’s do it again.”

  • Only electric vehicles to be used for trotro, taxi – Transport ministry

    Only electric vehicles to be used for trotro, taxi – Transport ministry

    The Ministry of Transport has announced that commercial mini buses, commonly referred to as Trotro, along with taxis and private cars, are set to undergo a transition from traditional fossil fuels to electric power.

    In an effort to curb the harmful impact of fossil fuels on the environment and address global warming, a transition from traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is underway.

    This change encompasses a variety of vehicles, including commercial mini buses commonly referred to as Trotro, taxis, and private cars.

    One noteworthy initiative is the upcoming trial of an all-electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Kumasi. This move reflects a commitment to reducing toxic emissions and preventing the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to the warming of the planet.

    The transition is not a sudden switch but a gradual process expected to unfold over the span of 10 to 50 years.

    Deputy Minister for Transport, Hassan Sulemana Tampuli, emphasized the global nature of this transition, noting that it is happening worldwide and Ghana is actively participating to ensure its sustainable development.

    Tampuli underscored the necessity of embracing this change and avoiding being caught off-guard by inevitable developments. He acknowledged that while Africa’s carbon emissions are relatively small on a global scale, it is the responsibility of every nation to contribute to preserving the environment.

    During a consultation with stakeholders in the transportation industry, Tampuli discussed the policy’s challenges and potential solutions. One question addressed was the fate of the numerous petrol stations across the country.

    Tampuli assured that these stations will continue to operate as the transition progresses, as EVs will not immediately replace all traditional vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles and trucks will still rely on petroleum products.

    To avoid financial pitfalls encountered by other countries during their transition, such as the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Transport is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, the country is actively engaging in discussions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to refine the taxation structure for EV imports.

    In terms of infrastructure, the consultation is considering the design and nature of the country’s road networks to accommodate EVs effectively. Tampuli emphasized the significance of accelerating rural electrification to facilitate the smooth integration of EVs.

    Furthermore, Ghana’s ample lithium-ion deposits are expected to play a vital role in supporting the EV agenda. The government is exploring ways to maximize this valuable resource to drive the transition.

    In the context of energy production, Ghana currently generates sufficient energy to meet its demands. This self-sufficiency provides a solid foundation for the transition to electric transportation.

    Lastly, Tampuli highlighted the collective determination of African Heads of State and governments to prevent the continent from becoming a dumping ground for fossil fuel vehicles from more developed nations during their own transition to EVs.

    This stance underscores Africa’s commitment to responsible environmental practices and sustainable development.

  • Parliament approves ¢1.2billion for Transport Ministry, agencies 

    Parliament has approved a whooping GHC1.2 billion for the Transport Ministry and its associated agencies to carry out activities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

    This happened on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

    on Wednesday approved GHC1.2 billion for the Transport Ministry and its agencies to carry out activities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

    The amount represents a 33.06 per cent increase over the 2022 initial budgetary allocation of GHC921,483,000.00.

    The 2022 fiscal year amount was subsequently revised to GHC832,028,321.00, and, as of September 2022, the Ministry had expended GHC461,824,396.84.

    The Transport Ministry, in 2023, plans to undertake activities such as operationalising the “Ghana Airlines” as the home-based carrier for the country and deliver 55 intercity buses to Metro Mass Transit Limited to augment its fleet.

    Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport, moving the Motion for the approval in Parliament, said the Keta Port construction was a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Project that the Government was embarking upon.

    He said feasibility studies had been completed, which came out that the project was viable.

    The Government had made available an initial five million dollars for the administration, and by the first quarter of 2023, the construction of the Administrative Block of the Keta Port would start, he said.

    As regards the Airport Passenger Service Charge (APSC), Mr Asiamah said other airports in the country, apart from Accra and Kumasi, did not generate income.

    He said the revenue from the two airports were used to administer the rest of the airports in the country.

    There was the need for an economic rate for the APSC, which would enable the airports to recover the investments made in them to avoid becoming a burden on the Government, Mr Asiamah said, and assured the House that the Ministry would consult the House in all its dealings.

    Mr Kennedy Nyarko Osei, the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, said the Committee observed that the current charges pertaining to the APSC were not competitive.

    The Ministry brought to the attention of the Committee the need for the APSC to be reviewed to enable the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) to generate revenue to complement Government’s efforts in implementing the Ministry’s programmes.

    The Ministry had programmed to complete the construction of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in 2023, he said, but there was the need to connect it to the Tema Habour to ensure it functioned optimally.

    Mr Osei said the Committee, therefore, urged the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with the Railways Development Ministry to ensure that rail lines were extended through the BILT to the Tema Port.

    Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Roads and Transport Committee, in seconding the Motion, said the road carnage in the country had not changed, though the situation this year appeared slightly better than last year.

    Touching on Aviation, he said the Ministry informed the Committee that it had selected an entity to operate Ghana Airlines as a home-based carrier; “that is to fly the flag of Ghana”.

    “Mr Speaker, some of us are quite surprised that the entity that had been selected has no record in operating an airline, it is not merely a matter of recruiting former pilots and other things, I mean aviation business is quite a risky business,” Mr Agbodza said.

    “Yes, we are happy that a local group will be part of this, but if they have no record of doing this, it is difficult to understand why we are doing this.”

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo to meet transport unions over plans to adjust fares

    President Akufo-Addo will today, October 25, 2022, meet the leadership of the transport unions over plans to adjust transport fares.

    The Unions are looking at between a 30 and 40 percent increase which they say has been necessitated by the soaring prices of petroleum products at the fuel pumps.

    The Unions have been in a series of meetings with the Transport Ministry since last week over the fare adjustment.

    Though there has not been any concrete decision yet, some other Unions, like VIP, have already adjusted their prices.

    Speaking on News and Current Affairs Programme “Behind the News”, General Secretary of the Roads Transport Coordinating Council, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, said the meeting with the president would decide on the percentage of the fares.

    Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, Mark Agboado, says they are not ready to back down on the 30 percent increase.

    Source: Ghanaweb