By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov. 6, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has handed over four additional dispatch motorbikes to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to support the Ayalolo Rapid Bus Transit system, especially as the Christmas season approaches.
The motorbikes will assist dispatch riders to pave way for Ayalolo buses operating under the contraflow system, which allows them to use the opposite lane during peak hours to reduce travel time.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Accra, Mr Ayariga said the system had been successful but faced logistical challenges due to the limited number of dispatch riders, particularly with increased trips expected during the Christmas period.
“We have procured additional ones and we want to hand over to the MTTD who have assigned riders and then we will increase the fleet of dispatch riders that will be available for the Ayalolo team,” he added.
He said the operation involved the Ministries of Local Government, Interior, and Roads and Highways, with the Ministry of Finance providing funding and the Ministry of Transport working to provide fuel subsidies and other support.
He added that the President had directed the procurement of marked pickups to support the operation, while procurement processes were ongoing.
Mr Ayariga said he had directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take urgent steps to clear bus stops of traders and other unauthorised occupants.
He said some traders had turned public transport spaces into shops and food vending areas, making it difficult for buses to operate effectively.
The Minister said the Government was engaging mayors in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other metropolitan areas to establish pedestrian-only trading zones, including designated areas at Makola and Kejetia, to improve movement and access for shoppers.
He appealed to traders, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other stakeholders to cooperate with the assemblies, adding that discussions with transport operators had addressed concerns about enforcement of the policy.
He urged motorists in Greater Accra to exercise caution between 0600 and 0900 hours and 1600 and 2000 hours because Ayalolo buses would operate in the contraflow lanes and have the right of way.
The Minister said the Ayalolo system would remain in operation until the Government considered the President’s directive on light rail as a long-term mass transport option for Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi.
Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Prince Jude Cobbina, Commanding Officer of the Central MTTD, Accra, thanked the Government for the support, stating that it would enhance pedestrian safety.
Mr Ayariga also commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for procuring 20 sanitation tricycles to help clean the city.
He said the investment formed part of the Government’s commitment to improving waste management infrastructure, including the construction of landfill sites, transfer stations and facilities for waste collection and evacuation.
The Minister urged other assemblies to use their Internally Generated Funds more productively and appealed to households to keep their entire surroundings clean.
Mr Musah Ziyad, Presiding Member of the Assembly, said Assembly Members had requested the tricycles to help clear waste in their respective electoral areas during sanitation exercises.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade