The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in meeting the growing demand for transport services across Ghana. He noted that despite continuous reductions in fuel prices, private sector vehicles have declined, creating long queues at bus stops and leaving commuters stranded.
According to the Minister, the government cannot sit back and allow citizens to suffer due to transport shortage. He explained that while government procurement processes are lengthy, private operators can easily secure buses and should take advantage of the current demand.
“There has been a continuous reduction in fuel prices, making it a great atmosphere for the private sector to thrive. Surprisingly, there have been shortage of vehicles starting from 14th December to date. Government cannot sit and allow the citizens to suffer, so we had to call in the Intercity STC to help salvage the situation while we wait for fleet renewal,” Hon. Nikpe said.
Hon. Nikpe made these remarks during a working visit to the Intercity STC Coaches Head Office in Accra. He stated that the purpose of the visit was to assess the internal conditions of the ISTC before implementing new initiatives or renewing the fleet. He further encouraged the company to strengthen its evaluation services to attract more customers, since increased patronage translates into higher profits.
The Managing Director of the ISTC, Mr. Al-Hassan Ligbi highlighted some challenges facing the agency, including flooding at the central store building whenever it rained and issues of staff motivation. He however was hopeful that the new buses expected by May would help improve operations, while plans were also underway to attract investors to revamp the terminal.
Mr. Al-Hassan noted “The major issue facing us is staff motivation, and in the past few months, a number of our key staff have been poached because of the nature of their salary. But we are hopeful that when we receive the new buses, we can use them to make more profit and improve upon our staff salaries”.
He also revealed a major achievement in safety, announcing that accident rates had been reduced from 80 in 2024 to 44 in 2025, because of the defensive driving training they conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces Supplies and Transport Training School.
“We have managed in the period to reduce our accident rates; we brought it down from 80 in 2024 to 44 in 2025. We have conducted some defensive driving training with the military, and I am happy to announce that since that training, we have not recorded any accident cases. So, we will want to continue on that path to give our people this training once or twice a year.” He added.
The Minister commended the ISTC management for their progress and assured them of the government’s support in addressing challenges and renewing their fleet. He reiterated that government exists to solve the problems of the people, but urged private sector operators to act swiftly to meet public demand.
“I want to thank the Intercity STC for the good work you are doing for Mother Ghana, especially your quick response to my call during the issues of congestion during the Christmas season. I am again happy to hear the progress you have made so far, raising about GHS1.7 million in January alone for parcel services and about GHS500,000 from vehicle valuation services,” he noted.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister, the Chief Director, and other officials from the Ministry of Transport.
