The Deputy Managing Director of the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Haroun Apaw Wiredu, has asserted that the state-owned transport company has achieved significant revenue gains in recent months under the current administration, even as he lamented a historically low operational fleet.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Apaw Wiredu detailed the company’s financial turnaround, attributing it to new operational measures, including automation and e-ticketing.
From August to early November 2025, Mr. Apaw Wiredu disclosed that MMTL achieved over GHC29.3 million in consecutive monthly revenues, reporting GHC15.2 million from August to September and approximately GHC14.1 million from October 1 to November 1.
He stated, “It has been back-to-back. That is why President John Dramani Mahama has seen the remarkable achievements and planned to add more fleets to our buses… These measures have given us the highest revenue in the history of the company.”
However, the Deputy Managing Director also highlighted the critical depletion of the MMTL’s assets, claiming that previous administrations sold a total of 713 buses as scrap.
“In 2017, the previous government sold 400 buses as scraps, and in March 2024, they sold 313 buses as scraps. So our fleet level had gone down all time low in the history of the company.”
Operational Constraints and Expansion Plans
Mr. Apaw Wiredu revealed the stark reality of the company’s current operations, noting that MMTL is currently only operating 85 routes with just 115 operational buses nationwide. This is a considerable shortfall, as the company is expected to serve 385 routes, leaving over 300 routes unattended.
His comments were made in response to a major announcement by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, regarding the government’s plan to revitalise the public transport sector.
Minister Nikpe announced in Parliament on Thursday, October 30, 2025, that the government plans to acquire 500 new buses to boost MMTL’s operations, a move he said is part of a broader effort to modernise the nation’s transport system.
Mr. Apaw Wiredu confirmed the acquisition, stating that the first batch of 150 buses is expected to arrive early next year.
He further clarified the long-term vision, indicating that while the government aims to purchase over 1,000 buses for the company, “the commencement authorization for the first 500 has been approved.”
To ensure the new fleet remains sustainable, the Deputy Managing Director explained that MMTL will establish dedicated vehicle maintenance and traffic management departments to keep buses operational and accessible around the clock.
Additionally, he announced that plans are well advanced for the establishment of an ultramodern terminal in Tamale, which will include amenities such as a restaurant, supermarket, clinic, parking bay, and a rest area. This model terminal, he stated, is intended to be replicated in other operational areas of the Metro Mass Transit.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
