The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that government has directed the Transport Minister to immediately deploy 100 newly acquired Metro Mass Transit buses to help cushion commuters following recent increases in fuel prices.
He made this known after an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, to assess the impact of the ongoing US-Israeli-Iranian conflict on global crude oil prices and its effect on Ghana’s economy.
According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, Cabinet expressed concern that the recent fuel price increases recorded in the last two pricing windows could trigger higher transport fares and worsen the cost of living if urgent steps are not taken.
“In the last two pricing windows, we have seen some increases in fuel price and this has got to a level that, if not checked, could spill over into general price increments in transportation and other such commodities,” he stated.
To prevent further hardship, he said Cabinet has instructed the Transport Minister to ensure the swift rollout of the new buses on major routes.
“The Transport Minister has also been instructed to ensure the expedited deployment of newly acquired Metro Mass buses,” he announced.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu recalled that the first batch of the buses has already arrived in the country, with additional batches expected later in the year.
“You will recall that over the weekend I announced the arrival of 100 Metro Mass buses. Another batch of 100 buses are expected in August, and then the last batch of 100 are expected in November to make up 300,” he said.
He explained that the buses will be deployed in high-traffic corridors to help reduce pressure on commuters, especially during peak hours.
“The Transport Minister has been instructed by Cabinet to ensure expedited deployment of these buses in high traffic corridors to ensure that it alleviates any difficulties that may have arisen out of the recent fuel price increases,” he added.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu further indicated that Cabinet has directed the Transport Minister to ensure that Metro Mass buses charge fares lower than what private transport operators currently charge.
“The Transport Minister has also been charged with ensuring that these Metro Mass buses, in addition to the existing ones, charge or maintain transport fares which are lower than what private sector operators charge,” he said.
According to him, the move is aimed at cushioning Ghanaians, particularly workers and students who rely heavily on public transport.
“This way it is to ensure that Ghanaians are cushioned, especially when we reach peak periods,” he noted.
The government spokesperson also reiterated that Cabinet is implementing additional measures to address the fuel situation, including the planned removal of some taxes and margins on fuel to bring down pump prices.
He assured the public that government remains committed to protecting the gains made in the economy and preventing the current global crisis from worsening living conditions for Ghanaians.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu said Cabinet will continue monitoring developments and will take further action if necessary to safeguard the welfare of the public.
SOURCE: Mubarak Yakubu
