MMT denies carrying NDC supporters for free

The Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Limited has denied reports that it gave out its buses to convey supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the party’s campaign launch in Cape Coast in the Central Region last Sunday for free.

While admitting that the company’s buses were deployed to carry passengers to Cape Coast from all depots of the company nationwide, a statement issued by the company said, “this service was not for free as it was paid for by the hirers.”

The statement, signed by the acting Head of Communications of the company, Ms Bernice Akologo, and copied to the Daily Graphic said, “at MMT, we term any service that would involve all our depots as “National Assignment” hence the reference to same.”

A Daily Guide publication of August 16, 2016 and headlined “MMT BUSSED NDC SUPPORTERS TO CAPE COAST” alleged, among other things, that the NDC “took buses from the state-owned Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Limited to convey the supporters there without paying a dime.” 

“The false story published in the Daily Guide has found its way to radio and television morning discussion programmes and social media platforms. We, therefore, wish to correct the wrong impression this false story has made in the minds of the public,” it said.

The statement insisted that the newspaper failed to cross check its story to report the facts. 

“It is worth noting that the MMT renders private hiring service to the general public, including organised groups, churches and political parties 

“Per the Private Hiring Policy of the company, all such services are paid for,” it said.  

The statement urged the media, especially the Daily Guide and other news outlets which carried the false story published with the intent of tarnishing the image of the MMT to correct the publication in their subsequent publications. 

“The MMT is always available to clarify any information the media or the public would like to understand on this particular issue,” it said.