Since 2018…..60 Aayalolo buses render no accounts – GAPTE probe reveals

A preliminary investigation into the operations of 60 Aayalolo buses transferred from Accra to Kumasi in 2018 has uncovered a complete absence of revenue remittances to the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), raising serious concerns about accountability and operational oversight.

The initial probe, which examined activities spanning nearly eight years, revealed significant lapses in financial accountability, as well as the absence of a structured operational framework to guide the use of the buses. These shortcomings have contributed to the deterioration of the fleet, with as many as 44 of the buses currently grounded due to poor maintenance and mismanagement.

In response to these troubling findings, the Managing Director of GAPTE, Awudu Dawuda, has commissioned an independent audit to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the transfer and operation of the buses. The audit will seek to establish how the buses were deployed, who managed them, and what happened to the revenue generated from their operations over the years.

The audit, which is expected to be completed within a month, was initiated after it was discovered that no revenue had been paid into GAPTE’s accounts since the buses were relocated to Kumasi in 2018. This revelation has intensified concerns about governance failures and potential misuse of public transport assets.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mr. Dawuda explained that the audit forms part of a broader transformation agenda aimed at restoring efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the public transport system. He noted that upon assuming office six months ago, it became evident that 60 out of the 245 Aayalolo buses originally procured for use in Greater Accra had been moved to Kumasi, with an additional 10 buses sent to Takoradi in the Western Region.

Further investigations revealed that the buses in Kumasi had been handed over to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for management in 2018. However, despite GAPTE engineers frequently undertaking repair works on the buses—costs reportedly covered by the Assembly—there was no system in place to track or remit revenue back to GAPTE.

Mr. Dawuda described the situation as highly irregular, emphasizing that the transfer of the buses lacked proper legal and administrative backing. He stated that not a single pesewa had been received by GAPTE from the Kumasi operations since 2018, underscoring the depth of the accountability breakdown.

The ongoing audit will also investigate specific incidents, including the circumstances under which six of the buses were destroyed by fire, as well as identify individuals or entities responsible for receiving and managing the fleet.

With the support of the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, GAPTE has successfully reclaimed control of 54 of the buses in Kumasi. Efforts are also underway to retrieve the remaining 10 buses currently located in the Western Region.

Upon taking over the buses in Kumasi, GAPTE discovered that only 16 of the 54 buses were operational, highlighting the extent of neglect and poor maintenance practices. However, since resuming operations with the functional buses two weeks ago, the agency has reported encouraging revenue performance, prompting plans to repair and reintegrate the remaining grounded buses into active service.

Mr. Dawuda noted that the challenges identified in Kumasi reflect a broader systemic failure within the management of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Of the 245 buses procured by the government in 2016, only 80 were functional at the time he assumed office, largely due to a weak maintenance culture and inadequate operational planning.

Additionally, several key GAPTE terminals—including those at Kasoa, Adenta, Kinbu, and Achimota—had been encroached upon, further undermining the efficiency of the transport system. The agency has also been grappling with significant debt, particularly related to fuel purchases accumulated over the years.

As part of ongoing reforms, GAPTE has begun reclaiming encroached properties, refurbishing broken-down buses, and strengthening operational systems. These efforts have already yielded results, with the number of functional buses increasing from 80 to 140. The improved fleet capacity has enabled extended service hours, with buses now operating until 11 p.m., compared to the previous 5 p.m. closing time.

Infrastructure improvements are also underway, including the renovation of the Achimota depot, which now serves as the central facility for repairs and routine maintenance. A dedicated passenger waiting area has also been established at the Kinbu terminal to enhance commuter experience.

Looking ahead, GAPTE is taking steps to reintroduce dedicated lanes for the Aayalolo buses as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in Accra. The agency has secured preliminary approval from the Spanish government for a €1 million grant to fund a feasibility study on the reimplementation of these lanes.

While awaiting the release of the grant, GAPTE is collaborating with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and relevant government agencies to begin preparations for enforcing the use of dedicated bus lanes. Engagements with the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service are also ongoing to ensure compliance and smooth implementation.

Mr. Dawuda expressed optimism that these reforms will restore confidence in the Aayalolo system and significantly improve urban mobility across the country.