Some MMT buses parked at a bus terminal
A container loaded with spare parts supplied by Dutch manufacturer VDL has remained at the port for more than two years, the Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Kale Cezar, has said.
According to a report by graphic.com.gh, Cezar explained that the situation has worsened the operational and financial challenges facing the state-owned transport company.
He noted that the container, imported under the company’s previous management, was never cleared from the port.
As a result, Metro Mass Transit has incurred mounting charges and missed the opportunity to put urgently needed buses on the road.
“That (container) full of steppers was given to us by VDL Company. Our predecessors actually brought that container,” he is quoted as saying.
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The report also noted that the MD said once the matter was brought to his attention, management initiated steps to have the container cleared from the port.
According to him, the process required extensive engagement with state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), as the company sought to determine why the container had remained stuck for so long and what was needed to release it.
After months of follow-up with the relevant authorities and administrative procedures, the MD revealed that Metro Mass Transit is now on the verge of clearing the container.
“If government could waive some direct taxes and VAT on our imports, it would greatly help our operations,” Cezar said.
He further revealed that while the previous management mobilised between GH¢8.5 million and GH¢9 million monthly, the company is now able to generate more than GH¢15 million each month, despite operating with fewer buses.
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The managing director attributed this improvement largely to efforts at sealing financial leakages, particularly through the expansion of electronic ticketing systems.
“They introduced an IT solution for collecting tickets, but it was only utilised for about 40 to 50 per cent of the company’s operations.
“Now, we are (doing) almost 100 per cent,” Cezar said.
VKB/AE
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