The Acting Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), Awudu Dawuda, has disclosed that only 80 of the 245 Ayalolo buses acquired by government in 2016 are presently in service in Accra, a situation he says has worsened the city’s transportation difficulties.

His remarks come at a time when public transport in the capital has become increasingly strained, with commuters enduring long queues, especially during rush hours, in order to secure vehicles to their destinations.

Ayalolo—derived from a Ga expression meaning “still moving”—is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative introduced in Accra in 2016. Operated by GAPTE, the system was intended to reduce traffic congestion and offer an efficient, scheduled mass transit alternative for urban residents. In recent years, however, the service has significantly declined.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mr. Dawuda explained that although all 245 buses were originally meant to operate exclusively within Accra, many were later reassigned to other parts of the country. He noted that when he assumed office, only 80 buses remained in the capital, as 60 had been sent to Kumasi, 10 to Takoradi and another 10 to Tamale following directives from the former Ministry of Transport.

According to him, the relocation of the buses dealt a major blow to the Ayalolo system and drastically reduced its ability to meet passenger demand in Accra. He said management has since initiated measures to revive the service, including steps to retrieve buses currently operating outside the capital.

Mr. Dawuda revealed that approval has already been granted for the 60 buses in Kumasi to be returned and added to the existing fleet in Accra.

He further indicated that operational capacity had been reduced even more because nearly 60 buses had been taken off the road due to mechanical faults. These buses, he said, have now been repaired using internal resources and are gradually being redeployed.

Mr. Dawuda expressed confidence that the ongoing recovery efforts will significantly reduce the pressure on commuters and improve public transport services in Accra in the weeks ahead.