The Vice President of the Republic, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has officially inaugurated 100 newly acquired Isuzu buses for the Metro Mass Transit Limited as part of the government’s efforts to revitalise public transportation and improve mobility across the country.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President explained the critical role of an efficient transport system in national development, stressing that improved public transport remained central to economic growth and social inclusion.

“When our transport system is efficient, people, goods, and services move as they should; the government aims to decrease dependence on unreliable, unsafe, and overly expensive transport options.” She stated.

The Vice President noted that the buses will expand transport services to more communities, reduce pressure on commuters, and provide safer and more dignified travel experiences for passengers. She further said that the government expects future procurements to create greater opportunities for Ghanaian technicians and engineers through increased local participation and assembly.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the management and staff of Metro Mass Transit Limited for their dedication and urged them to maintain the buses properly and serve the public with professionalism and efficiency. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in public transport, describing it as an investment in productivity, safety and social equity.

The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on his part, described the commissioning of the buses as a major milestone for the transport sector and a testament to the government’s commitment to improving public mobility.

“For us at the Ministry of Transport, it is an honour and pride that today we are all here to witness this commissioning of the 100 Isuzu buses,” he said.

The Minister recalled the Vice President’s earlier visit to the Ministry and Metro Mass during the difficult operational periods and credited her encouragement, together with the support of President John Dramani Mahama, for inspiring renewed efforts within the sector.

Hon. Bukari Nikpe explained that the buses would help connect workers to their workplaces, traders to markets, students to schools, and support tourism activities across the country.

Managing Director of the Metro Mass Transit Limited, Mr. Kale Caesar Esq, described the occasion as historic, which reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transforming public transport delivery in Ghana. He disclosed that when the current management assumed office, the company faced severe operational challenges, including an ageing fleet, rising maintenance costs, and a high number of non-operational buses.

“Out of a total fleet of 461 buses bequeathed to us, only 136 were operational,” he revealed.

He, however, noted that the Government’s intervention through the Ministry of Transport had enabled Metro Mass Transit Limited to secure the first batch of 100 Isuzu buses under a broader fleet expansion programme aimed at restoring confidence in public transport services.

He further highlighted that the ongoing transformation initiatives, including strategic partnerships to modernise transport terminals, improved operational efficiency, and electric vehicle infrastructure development, would promote cleaner transport systems.