The Minister of Transportation, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has credited the Vice President of Ghana and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for being the person who brought electric buses to Ghana.
Speaking during the unveiling of the first fleet of electric buses in Accra on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the Minister said there should be no contention about who introduced the electric-powered buses to Ghana, as has been the case with some initiatives and policies.
“The time we find ourselves, there is always a contention about who did this and that. “But there shouldn’t be any contention about who introduced [the] electric bus policy in this country. That person is the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“It is not about somebody who tried to dream about it but didn’t dream, so we should give him credit. I think that the media will do as I have explained. Because I did not find any policy on my table before we took office. So I don’t know if anybody has thought about it. There is no magic about politics today; the time that we used to have Prof. Hindu and co is past. The politics we do today is practical,” the Minister said.
In a groundbreaking step toward modernising Ghana’s public transportation system, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on November 27, 2024, unveiled the country’s first fleet of battery-electric buses.
This transformative initiative, which highlights Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development, marks the beginning of a new era in urban mobility, with significant economic, environmental, and social benefits.
The launch, a collaborative effort between Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) and the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), introduces electric buses as a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional transportation.
The project also aligns with Ghana’s agenda to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote affordable, efficient public transport services for all.
The highlight of this initiative is its potential to significantly reduce transportation costs. Commuters can expect fare reductions of up to 40-50%. This is made possible by the lower operational costs of electric buses compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
This milestone promises to ease the financial burden on Ghanaians while ensuring greater accessibility to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s Vision for a Sustainable Ghana Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Bawumia emphasised the government’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to drive development.
“This initiative is not just about buses; it’s about creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all Ghanaians. By reducing transport costs and emissions, we are making a bold statement that Ghana is ready to lead in the transition to cleaner and more efficient urban mobility,” he said.
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