The Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has unveiled the GO Ride aimed at revolutionizing employment in Ghana’s Transport sector.
Launching the app, the vice president described the initiative as a “significant milestone in our journey toward a more equitable and prosperous Ghana. It is with immense pride that I stand before you to unveil GO Ride, a revolutionary ride-hailing app born from a strategic public-private partnership to transform Ghana’s transport sector for the better.
Addressing dignitaries at the event, the vice president described the Ghana Card, the Digital Address System, Mobile Money Interoperability, and the Ghana.Gov as the foundational enablers in efforts to maximize the potential of digital technologies in Ghana’s transformation.
According to Dr Bawumia, Ghanaian drivers have faced immense challenges, particularly with high commission rates imposed by existing ride-hailing platforms. “This has not only strained their earnings but has also threatened their livelihoods and the economic stability of their families.
“Today, we put an end to that struggle. GO Ride is not just another app; it represents a bold commitment to upgrade the trade of our local drivers, particularly those associated with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union. With a competitive commission rate of just 10%, our drivers are being empowered to retain more of their hard-earned money, allowing them to improve their financial stability and support their families. This is about restoring dignity to our drivers and ensuring that they thrive.”
“This initiative reflects our government’s unwavering dedication to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. By keeping the profits generated by GO Ride within our borders, we are conserving foreign exchange, fostering local wealth creation, and enhancing our national economy. Every ride taken on GO Ride contributes directly to Ghana’s development, helping to build a sustainable future for all of us.”
GO Ride is also a testament to our vision for digital transformation in Ghana. We are harnessing the power of technology to create a seamless, efficient, and transparent ride-hailing experience.
“This app integrates digital payments through Tap’ n Go, a local payment platform designed for ease and security. Tap’ n Go enables drivers and passengers to transact quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. This integration not only enhances customer satisfaction but also supports our local fintech ecosystem, reinforcing our commitment to homegrown solutions.”
“Moreover, the economic impact of GO Ride is far-reaching. This initiative will create jobs, not only for those behind the wheel but also across related sectors such as vehicle maintenance, banking, insurance, and customer support. By fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem around our transport industry, we are strengthening our economy and providing new opportunities for countless Ghanaians. Each job created is a step toward reducing unemployment and enhancing the standard of living for our citizens.”
“I want to emphasize the importance of financial inclusion. GO Ride’s digital platform, powered by Tap’ n Go, allows our drivers to enter the formal financial system, unlocking access to essential services like loans and insurance. This shift from a cash-based economy to a digitized system promotes greater financial security and opens doors for economic advancement. By integrating our drivers into the formal economy, we are not just providing them with a platform to earn but also empowering them to build wealth and secure their futures.”
“As we launch this initiative, let us also consider its broader societal impacts. GO Ride will help bridge the gap between the formal and informal sectors of our economy by creating a more inclusive and equitable transport system. We must support our local drivers and ensure they are not left behind as our economy digitizes and modernizes. The future we have envisioned is what has become a reality today. This is about levelling the playing field.”
“Let us celebrate this new chapter for Ghana’s transport sector. GO Ride is a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and local pride. It embodies our commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive development, ensuring that our drivers thrive in the digital economy, and paving the way for a brighter future for all Ghanaians.”
“As we embark on this transformative journey together, let us remember that it is possible. Today’s launch demonstrates clearly that it is possible to uplift our local drivers, create sustainable jobs, and ensure that our nation thrives through innovation and unity. Together, we can build a Ghana that is strong, resilient, and prosperous; a Ghana where our local solutions drive our growth and our communities flourish. Indeed, the entire nation believes Ghana deserves the No.1 spot for the next chapter. Together we will make this happen as we forge on with confidence and determination.”
“I extend my appreciation to the Ministry of Transport, Transport for Ghana, GPRTU, National Road Safety Authority, and all stakeholders for their support.”
“Together, we have turned an idea into reality, leapfrogging bottlenecks in public administration and accelerating our economic transformation together.
