The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport has paid a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport, marking a renewed commitment to effective legislative oversight and strategic collaboration in the sector.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday May 6, aimed to strengthen ties between the legislature and the Ministry, and to update Committee members on ongoing projects and policy directions across Ghana’s transport landscape.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Mensah Adjei Isaac, who is also the Member of Parliament for Wassa East, described the visit as a ‘strategic and symbolic gesture’ to deepen understanding of the Ministry’s work and affirm the Committee’s readiness to support national transport development.
He emphasized the importance of practical engagement, noting that although some members may already be familiar with aspects of the Ministry’s work, a collective visit provided a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue and learning.
“There are so many agencies under this Ministry, and even though some of us may know a few, we cannot assume knowledge without proper engagement. That is why coming here is appropriate,” he added.
Stressing on parliamentary protocol, he said, “We cannot enter anybody’s turf without going to the head of the jurisdiction. That is why we are here first, to be briefed by the Minister, and from there, seek his guidance to meet the agencies that make up this formidable Ministry.”
The Transport Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe laid out an ambitious reform agenda aimed at transforming the transport sector.
He stressed the importance of strong parliamentary collaboration, particularly in budgetary and legislative matters.
“Your visit can help to bring out some of the issues that will need serious address. When oversight is played and played properly, it brings the kind of checks that will guide us in our provision of good governance to the people,” the Minister noted.
One of the key announcements was the near-completion of processes to regularize commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Okada. He revealed a proposal to reduce the minimum rider age from 25 to 21, adding that the regulatory framework will soon be presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Subsidiary Legislation.
On aviation, the Minister announced the imminent inauguration of a task force to evaluate public-private partnership proposals for reviving Ghana’s national carrier. He also lamented infrastructure gaps such as the absence of fuel hydrants at some airports and aging runways.
“We have to begin considering to resurface our runway… over 10 years today, it has not received any rehabilitation or maintenance,” he stated.
According to him, automation upgrades are being implemented at Kotoka International Airport to address recent power issues, with plans underway to link Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via a tunnel for seamless travel.
In maritime transport, Hon. Nikpe said a feasibility study will soon be conducted on coastal and inland water routes from Accra to Axim, aimed at easing traffic congestion on the country’s coastal trunk roads.
“Every day our coastal trunk roads are choked with traffic. A trip from Accra to Takoradi that should take two hours ends up taking four to five hours,” he observed.
He also touched on challenges facing state transport operators, revealing that new buses are being procured to rejuvenate the fleets of Metro Mass and STC.
In support of Ghana’s green transition, the Minister announced that pilot electric buses have received upgraded charging systems that now require less than two hours to fully charge. Additionally, a new DVLA branch in Adenta will soon be commissioned to support the 24-hour economy.
He disclosed ongoing discussions with Qatar to upgrade the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy into a degree-awarding institution.
“Very soon we will be coming to you with a lot of amendments. I know we will soon start doing serious business,” the Minister said, urging continued legislative support.
The visit underscored the importance of parliamentary oversight in ensuring that the Ministry’s reforms align with national development goals. It also signaled a united front between the executive and legislative branches in delivering efficient, modern, and inclusive transport services for all Ghanaians.
Members of the Committee who joined the tour included Hon. Chiwitey Dari Andrew, Vice Chairperson and MP for
Sawla/Tuna/Kalba; Hon. Osei Nyarko Kennedy, MP for Akim Swedru and the Ranking Member; Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama; Hon. Frimpong Kwame Ohene, MP for Asante Akim North; Hon. Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort, Ada MP; Hon. Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi, Achiase MP; Hon. Mahama Toure Naser, Ayawaso East MP; Hon. Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede, Lawra MP; and Hon. Mubarak Seid
Sunyani East MP