The Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has said that government has prioritized Metro Mass Transport Limited (MMTL) in its reset agenda, assuring that the Ministry of Transport would work diligently to resource the company, enabling it to operate a twenty-four-hour service under the government’s flagship 24-hour Economy policy.
According to her, retooling MMTL with modern buses and facilities would enhance efficiency, expand services, and reactivate abandoned routes due to insufficient buses.
Implementing these strategies would restore MMTL’s lost glory, making it more vibrant and visible than ever before.
“Although this may seem challenging, I assure that the government through the Ministry of Transport will provide necessary support, whether through bus acquisition or other essential resources for your mission. I am confident that MMTL will regain its reputation as a reliable pillar of our national transportation system,” she noted.
Hon. Affo-Toffey made these observations during a working visit to MMTL yesterday, aimed at familiarizing herself with the company’s operations and challenges.
Her visit was part of a broader exercise to acquaint herself with agencies under the Ministry of Transport. Prior to visiting MMTL, she had visited the Ghana Airports Company, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
MMTL has faced significant challenges, including a dwindling fleet of buses, affecting revenue and public visibility, and low staff morale resulting in high attrition rates.
However, in his welcoming address, the Managing Director of MMTL, Cezario Kale, Esq., assured that the company would be turned around.
“When we assumed office, we were confronted with three critical issues – dwindling fleet of buses, poor infrastructure, and low morale among staff due to poor conditions of service. But we have challenged ourselves, just like the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama challenged us, to solve these problems, and we’re on track,” he said.
The company currently operates 88 routes, down from 350, with only 115 operational buses. Lawyer Kale is of the view that the introduction of modern buses with revamped infrastructure will turnaround the fortunes of MMTL.
He expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s intervention measures and noted that MMTL would lead the drive in the 24-hour economy policy by operating a 24-hour service.
“MMTL will serve as a catalyst in the resetting agenda, especially in the 24-hour economy policy… Transport service is key in every transformative agenda,” he emphasized.
