The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport paid a high-level familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport, reaffirming its commitment to effective oversight and strategic collaboration in advancing Ghana’s transport agenda.
Led by the Committee Chairperson and Member of Parliament for Wassa East, Isaac Adjei Mensah, the visit aimed to deepen ties between Parliament and the Ministry while equipping committee members with firsthand insight into key projects, policies, and challenges across Ghana’s multi-modal transport landscape.
Describing the visit as both “strategic and symbolic,” Adjei Mensah emphasized the importance of direct engagement with sector leadership to enable informed legislative support.
“There are so many agencies under this Ministry. Even if some of us are familiar with a few, we cannot assume full knowledge without proper engagement. That is why coming here is appropriate,” he stated.
He also stressed parliamentary protocol, noting, “We cannot enter anybody’s turf without going to the head of the jurisdiction. That’s why we are here first, to be briefed by the Minister.”
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe welcomed the delegation and outlined a bold reform agenda designed to modernize Ghana’s transport systems.
He underscored the value of parliamentary collaboration, particularly on legislative amendments and budgetary allocations.
“Your visit brings to light key issues that require urgent attention. Effective oversight ensures we deliver good governance and the kind of transport solutions our citizens deserve,” the Minister remarked.
Among the major updates, the Minister announced that processes to regularize commercial motorcycle operations (Okada) are nearing completion. A proposal to lower the legal riding age from 25 to 21 is expected to be tabled before the Parliamentary Committee on Subsidiary Legislation soon.
In the aviation sector, a task force will soon be inaugurated to evaluate public-private partnership proposals to revive Ghana’s national carrier. Hon. Nikpe also drew attention to infrastructure challenges, including ageing airport runways and the lack of fuel hydrants at certain airports.
“Some of our runways have gone over a decade without rehabilitation. We must prioritize their resurfacing,” he urged.
Plans are also in motion to upgrade automation systems at Kotoka International Airport to tackle power disruptions and to construct a tunnel linking Terminals 2 and 3 for seamless passenger movement.
On maritime transport, the Minister revealed that a feasibility study will soon begin on coastal and inland water routes from Accra to Axim. The agendais aimed at easing traffic on the country’s congested coastal roads.
“Travel time from Accra to Takoradi can stretch to five hours due to congestion. We need alternative transport routes,” he emphasized.
Regarding state-owned transport services, the Minister disclosed that new buses are being procured to rejuvenate the fleets of Metro Mass Transit and the State Transport Company (STC).
As part of Ghana’s push toward a green economy, pilot electric buses have been fitted with upgraded charging systems, reducing full charge time to under two hours. He also announced that a new DVLA office in Adenta is near completion and will help operationalize the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
In a nod to future ambitions, the Minister said discussions are ongoing with the government of Qatar to upgrade the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy into a degree-awarding institution.
“Very soon, we’ll be coming to you with a lot of amendments. I know we will soon start doing serious business,” he told the Committee.
Both the Minister and Committee members affirm their shared vision of building a modern, efficient, and inclusive transport system aligned with Ghana’s development goals.
Joining the tour were Hon. Chiwitey Dari Andrew (Vice Chairperson and MP for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba), Hon. Osei Nyarko Kennedy (Ranking Member and MP for Akim Swedru), Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye (MP for Bantama), Hon. Frimpong Kwame Ohene (MP for Asante Akim North), Hon. Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort (MP for Ada), Hon. Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi (MP for Achiase), Hon. Mahama Toure Naser (MP for Ayawaso East), Hon. Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede (MP for Lawra), and Hon. Mubarak Seid (MP for Sunyani East).
