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Ghana's Bus Modernization Sparks Debate with Trotro Drivers

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 15:25 GMT by Yen.com.gh
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Accra, Ghana - February 8th, 2026 - Ghana's public transportation landscape is poised for significant change as the government rolls out its long-awaited plan to modernize the sector with a fleet of new buses. While heralded by many as a necessary step towards efficiency and improved commuter experience, the initiative has sparked a complex debate, particularly amongst the nation's ubiquitous trotro drivers - the backbone of Ghana's informal transport system. Today, drivers are expressing a mixture of cautious optimism, apprehension, and a firm desire to be included in the shaping of their future.

The government's stated goal is to alleviate congestion, enhance safety, and provide a more reliable public transport service. The introduction of modern buses is seen as crucial to achieving this, offering features such as climate control, comfortable seating, and adherence to safety standards - all frequently lacking in the current trotro system. However, this move directly impacts the livelihoods of tens of thousands of drivers and their families, who rely on the daily income generated from operating these smaller, shared taxis.

"We are not rejecting progress," stated Kwaku Mensah, a trotro driver operating on the Kaneshie-Accra route, during an interview. "But we need assurance. Assurance that our jobs won't simply disappear, and that our voices will be heard. We have families to feed, school fees to pay, and responsibilities just like anyone else." Mensah's sentiment is widely echoed throughout the trotro community.

The concerns stem from a deep-seated fear of displacement. Many drivers believe that the government may underestimate the vital role trotro play in connecting communities, particularly in areas not adequately served by more formal transport options. They argue that the government's plan needs to consider the nuanced realities of the informal transport sector - a sector characterized by its flexibility, responsiveness to demand, and critical contribution to the local economy.

"The government sees us as just drivers," explains Abena Serwaa, a veteran trotro driver and mother of three. "They don't see the mechanics who keep our vehicles running, the 'loading boys' who help with passengers, the families who depend on our income. This is a whole ecosystem, and it needs to be considered. Simply introducing buses without a proper plan for integration will create more problems than it solves."

The key sticking point, according to drivers, is the lack of meaningful consultation. While the government has assured that the new buses will complement, not replace, the existing trotro system, many remain skeptical. Drivers are demanding a seat at the table, advocating for a collaborative approach that explores potential partnerships and alternative models.

Some drivers are proposing a system where trotro drivers could be incorporated into the new bus network, perhaps as franchisees or owners of smaller feeder routes. Others suggest offering retraining programs to equip drivers with the skills needed to operate and maintain the new buses. The underlying message is clear: drivers are not opposed to modernization, but they want to be active participants in the process, not passive victims of it.

Interestingly, not all reactions are negative. Several drivers acknowledge the potential benefits of a more modern transport system, particularly in terms of reduced traffic congestion and improved safety. "If these buses are managed well and contribute to a better transport system for everyone, we are all for it," commented Kofi Boateng, a driver operating in the Greater Accra region. "We want what's best for Ghana, but we need to ensure a just and equitable transition."

The government, through the Ministry of Transport, has indicated a willingness to engage in further dialogue. A spokesperson stated that they are "committed to a smooth and inclusive transition, ensuring that the concerns of all stakeholders, including trotro drivers, are addressed." However, concrete details of how this will be achieved remain scarce.

The success of this modernization plan hinges on the government's ability to navigate this delicate balance - embracing progress while safeguarding the livelihoods of those who have long served as the engine of Ghana's informal transport network. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this initiative ushers in a new era of efficient and inclusive public transportation, or exacerbates existing inequalities and creates further hardship for thousands of Ghanaians.