The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that the government is set to receive a €1 million grant from the Spanish Embassy to support the expansion of Ayalolo’s bus fleet.
Speaking at a meeting with Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and transport operators on Friday, January 16, 2026, Ibrahim linked the ongoing urban transport challenges to the lack of retooling under the previous NPP administration.
He revealed that Ayalolo has not added any new buses since acquiring 200 vehicles in 2014.
“In 2014 and 2015, President Mahama continued the establishment of Ayalolo buses and also augmented the Kufuor buses. That was the trend. But for the past decade, there has been no retooling across these unions, and that is why we are facing this crisis,” he said.
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Recounting his early days in office, Ibrahim said; “When I assumed the role of Minister, I asked the Ayalolo boss, ‘We gave you 200 buses in 2014. How many have you added?’ He replied, ‘Zero.’ I then questioned why he should remain in office. If all 200 buses are depreciating and none have been added, then step aside. A new boss was appointed.”
Under the new management, Ayalolo sought assistance from the Spanish Embassy, which pledged the grant pending approval from the Ministry of Finance.
“The new boss identified the problem and approached the Spanish Embassy. They agreed to provide a grant, but all that was required was a letter of no objection from the Minister of Finance. With your presence, I believe this will be granted. The current MD of Ayalolo will receive €1 million to expand the fleet. The Spanish ambassador has been following up, and we need that support,” Ibrahim stated.
The Vice President’s visit to the Ministry of Transport was part of efforts to engage sector leaders on the persistent challenges facing public transportation, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.
SA
