Residents of Accra and other major Ghanaian cities are confronting an intensifying public transport crisis, marked by long waits at bus stops, a severe shortage of trotros, and fares that have tripled in recent weeks. For many commuters, this growing challenge has transformed daily travel into a stressful ordeal, prompting calls for urgent government intervention as the strain on urban mobility becomes increasingly visible.
The crisis came into sharp focus after Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey posted on January 13, 2026, pledging renewed government resolve to tackle transportation challenges. Her post, accompanied by photos of ministry activities, sparked widespread criticism, particularly because comments were locked preventing commuters from voicing their frustrations. Many Ghanaians viewed the move as tone-deaf, especially as ordinary riders continue to scramble for scarce transport options amid rising fares and operational shortages.
Systemic Challenges and Idle Assets
Experts and commuters have long highlighted structural weaknesses in Ghana’s public transport system that have contributed to the current crisis. Among the most pressing concerns is the underutilization of Ayalolo buses, a fleet introduced in 2016 to modernize public transport in Accra. Despite the fleet’s potential to ease congestion, many of these buses remain idle due to maintenance issues, administrative disputes, and unresolved funding bottlenecks. Civic groups and commuter associations are urging the Ministry of Transport to deploy these unused buses immediately, noting that their active use could significantly reduce overcrowding and curb fare hikes.
Fares on popular routes have reportedly tripled as transport operators attempt to cope with fewer vehicles and rising operating costs. Commuters, many of whom are low-income workers and students, are feeling the financial strain. “It’s impossible to budget for daily travel now,” said one frustrated rider, highlighting the human cost of the transport shortage. Families and professionals alike are struggling to adjust to the unexpected rise in costs, amplifying social frustration across urban centers.
Government Promises vs. Delays
The Ministry of Transport had previously assured the public that new buses would be rolled out starting December 2025, yet implementation has lagged. Analysts point to high procurement costs, bureaucratic delays, and logistical inefficiencies as key barriers slowing progress. Without decisive action, transport experts warn that Accra’s mobility challenges are likely to persist well into 2026, particularly as urban populations continue to grow and vehicle demand rises.
While Accra bears the brunt of the crisis, other cities including Kumasi, Tema, and Takoradi are also facing shortages and inconsistent services. Urban transport analysts emphasize that Ghana’s transport infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization, leaving both private operators and government agencies struggling to meet commuter demand. Experts recommend exploring complementary solutions such as bus rapid transit lanes, digital ticketing systems, and incentives for private operators to modernize service delivery and improve reliability.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Social media has become a central forum for public frustration. Riders are sharing images of overcrowded bus stops, empty trotros, and long queues, expressing dissatisfaction at government responses. Many critics have described official communication as performative, especially in light of locked comments on the Deputy Minister’s post, which curtailed public feedback. Civic organizations are now calling for transparent dialogue between authorities and commuters, emphasizing the importance of citizen-inclusive transport strategies and accountability in planning and execution.
Alternative Transport Solutions and Sustainability Concerns
In the face of public transport shortages, commuters are increasingly relying on alternative methods, such as ride-sharing apps, private minibuses, and informal transport networks. While these options provide temporary relief, they are often more expensive, less regulated, and sometimes unsafe, raising concerns about affordability, safety, and long-term sustainability. Analysts argue that Ghana’s cities need a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to transport reform, combining infrastructure upgrades, better maintenance of existing fleets, and innovative digital solutions for scheduling and tracking.
The Broader Implications
The unfolding public transport crisis in Accra highlights the complex interplay between urban growth, governance, and infrastructure management. For residents, the message is clear: promises and photo-ops alone are insufficient. Immediate action, accountability, and strategic planning are required to restore confidence in Ghana’s public transport system. Without bold interventions, the crisis threatens not only daily commuting but also broader economic activity, as workers, students, and professionals face increasing difficulty reaching their destinations reliably.
Experts emphasize that short-term measures including deploying idle Ayalolo buses, accelerating procurement of new vehicles, and improving fleet maintenance must be complemented by long-term reforms. Investments in modernized scheduling, bus priority lanes, and urban transport digitalization could transform public mobility, ensuring efficiency, affordability, and sustainability for years to come.
In summary, Accra’s public transport woes are more than an inconvenience they represent a structural challenge demanding urgent government intervention, innovative policy solutions, and active engagement with the commuting public. As 2026 unfolds, residents and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether authorities will move beyond pledges and implement measures that genuinely ease congestion, reduce fares, and restore public trust.