President Nana Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday commissioned the first batch of 45 buses out of 100 VDL Intercity buses procured for use by the Metro Mass Transit Limited.

Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo stated that the event is significant particularly because it has provided the country with an opportunity to boost further the capacity of the public transportation system.

According to the President, “the presence of an efficient transportation system is a vital contributor to the growth of the economy, and, as President of the Republic, I have made it a priority to re-launch the Metro Mass Transport system throughout the regional capitals through sustained investments in infrastructure and services.”

He continued, “The Minister for Transport tells me this project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase covering the purchase of a total of 100 buses, and after-sales-services support and sufficient spare parts to restore some 50 broken down buses.”

In addition to this, the President noted that technical assistance, in the form of a grant from the Belgian Government, is also being provided to cover training of drivers and maintenance staff and operational support to the company.

Expressing his appreciation gratitude to the Belgian Government for providing both financial and technical support for the buses, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Republic of Ghana and the Kingdom of Belgium have a long-standing relationship, which has transitioned into many strategic partnerships in key sectors of the economy, in particular in the road transport services sector.

In fact, under the administration of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, that outstanding Ghanaian statesman, John Agyekum Kufuor, some 513 VDL intercity buses were supplied to Metro Mass Transit Ltd. through concessionary financing from the Belgian Government.

“I am informed that the Belgian Government is extending yet another concessionary financing for the acquisition of some 50 buses every year for the next five years to augment further the fleet of the company. This is truly timely, and I urge all players to work assiduously, as we seek to revamp fully the operations of MMTL,” he said.

Re-echoing the words of the Minister for Transport, President Akufo-Addo bemoaned the neglect and mishandling of public assets, which, unfortunately, has eaten into Ghana’s social fabric, and represents an enormous drain on national resources.

“I, therefore, urge the Board and Management to take steps to ensure that these buses, which I am commissioning today, stand the test of time. It is good to see that Metro Mass Transit Ltd is reclaiming its status as a critical public transportation service provider, which serves the Ghanaian people with dedication,” the President added.