Metro Mass to deploy more buses in Accra to help deal with congestion and fare hikes by private commercial bus operators

As an interim measure to help deal with the current commuter congestion being experienced in Accra amid transport fare hikes by private transport operators, the government has ordered the Metro Mass Limited (MML) to immediately repair all its broken-down buses and deploy them in Accra to help deal with the congestion.

Accra has been experiencing commuter congestion, especially at peak hours in the evenings, which private commercial bus operators have taken advantage of to hike fares even though fuel prices have gone down.

This phenomenon is usually associated with the few weeks preceding Christmas. But this year, even after the Christmas and New Year holidays, there is still congestion in town.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday [January 14, 2026], the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the MML buses which are to be repaired and deployed are to operate beyond their usual routes and timetables to help reduce congestion across many parts of Accra.

“Public transport is mainly run by private operators. They have a duty to follow the rules and not take advantage of passengers by creating shortages,” he said, adding that the repairs would give commuters more dependable transport choices.

“The Transport Minister has ordered urgent repairs on several Metro Mass buses that had broken down so they can return to service within days. The buses will run outside their usual routes and timetables to ease congestion in many areas, ” he said.

The government has also accused some transport operators of creating artificial shortages to push up fares, even after fuel prices went down.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the Minister for Transport is to meet the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and other operators over the issue. He said the meeting, expected within a day, would address the situation so passengers do not continue to face hardship.

He explained that some drivers were avoiding their usual lorry station bays so they could charge higher fares from commuters.

“After the drop in fuel prices, which led the transport unions to announce a 15 per cent cut in fares, some operators thought they could create a shortage to charge higher fares,” he said.

“They do not go to the normal spots. They move around to pick people who are ready to pay more. By doing so, they create a shortage and drive prices up,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu added.

He described the practice as unlawful and said it must be dealt with. He said the government was acting because there was an agreement with transport unions to review fares twice a year unless unusual conditions arose.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu urged operators to stick to the established system and avoid actions that make travel harder for the public.

He said there was no basis for charging higher fares when fuel prices and the cost of imported spare parts had gone down.

“If you go to the port, duty payments on containers of spare parts have fallen. I have the figures here to show that. There is no excuse for what is happening, and we urge them to stop or action will be taken under the relevant bylaws and regulations,” he said.