The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the government is working to secure a €1 million grant from the Spanish Embassy to expand the 'Ayalolo' bus fleet and improve urban public transport services.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting on Friday, the Minister said the grant opportunity emerged after a change in leadership at Ayalolo, following concerns over the stagnation of the fleet since 2014.

According to Mr. Ibrahim, the new Managing Director of Ayalolo engaged the Spanish Embassy after identifying the urgent need to augment the existing buses, many of which have depreciated over the years.

He explained that the Spanish authorities have expressed readiness to support Ghana through a grant facility, with the only outstanding requirement being a formal letter of no objection from the Ministry of Finance.

“When the new boss came in and realised the problem, he went to the Spanish Embassy. They wanted to give us a grant. All that they needed was for the Minister for Finance to give a letter of no objection,” Mr. Ibrahim stated.

The Local Government Minister noted that once the approval is granted, Ayalolo stands to receive €1 million to support fleet expansion.

“If that comes, the current Managing Director of Ayalolo buses will get a grant of one million euros to be able to augment the fleet,” he added.

Mr. Ibrahim stressed that expanding the Ayalolo fleet is critical to sustaining the Bus Rapid Transit system, easing pressure on commuters, and improving mobility within major urban centres.

He appealed for urgent intervention to fast-track the approval process, saying the grant represents an opportunity to strengthen public transport infrastructure without adding pressure to the national budget.

The Minister said government remains committed to reforms that enhance efficiency, accountability, and sustainability in public transport delivery.