Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has launched the first batch of 100 electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) as part of the government’s efforts to modernize Ghana’s public transportation sector.
Speaking at the commissioning event in Adentan on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the initiative, emphasizing that it will reduce public transport costs by up to 50% and significantly lower the operational expenses of MMT.
“This marks a new era of innovation in our transport sector,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to integrating green technology into public transportation.
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged initial skepticism about the feasibility of transitioning to electric vehicles, attributing it to a “mindset of impossibility.”
However, he reaffirmed his belief in Ghana’s potential to implement such transformative projects.
The Vice President also revealed plans to extend the initiative to other transport unions, offering credit facilities for the acquisition of electric buses.
“If other countries can deploy electric buses, why not Ghana?” he asked, stressing that an efficient transport sector is crucial for economic growth and access to essential services.
Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiama described the electric bus initiative as a pilot phase aimed at identifying and resolving operational challenges before scaling nationwide.
Metro Mass Transit Managing Director Albert Adu Boahen expressed gratitude to the government, noting that the electric buses would cut fuel costs by 55% and improve passenger experience. Charging facilities have already been installed along the Adentan-Accra and Ashaiman-Accra routes, and technical staff have been trained to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the vehicles.
