The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, says government is expecting a €1 million grant from the Spanish Embassy to support the expansion of the Ayalolo bus fleet as part of efforts to address the ongoing public transport challenges in urban areas.
Mr Ibrahim made the disclosure during a meeting with Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and transport operators on Friday, January 16, 2026. He attributed the current transport difficulties, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, to years of neglect and the absence of retooling under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
According to the Minister, the Ayalolo bus system has not added a single vehicle to its fleet since 200 buses were supplied in 2014, despite growing demand for public transport services.
“Between 2014 and 2015, President Mahama continued the Ayalolo initiative and also augmented the Kufuor buses. That was the pattern at the time. But for the past 10 years, there has been no retooling, and that is why we are facing these challenges today,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim disclosed that upon assuming office, he questioned the leadership of Ayalolo over the failure to expand the fleet.
“When I became the Minister, I asked the Ayalolo boss how many buses had been added since 2014. He told me none. If all 200 buses are depreciating and nothing is being added, then leadership must change,” he stated, adding that new management has since been appointed.
Under the new leadership, Ayalolo engaged the Spanish Embassy for support, resulting in a proposed €1 million grant to procure additional buses. Mr Ibrahim explained that the funding is awaiting a letter of no objection from the Ministry of Finance.
“The Spanish Embassy has agreed to support us with a grant. All that is required now is a letter of no objection from the Minister for Finance. Once that is issued, the current Managing Director of Ayalolo will receive the €1 million to augment the fleet,” he said.
He added that the Spanish Ambassador has been closely following the process and expressed optimism that the grant will be approved soon.
The Vice President’s engagement with the Ministry of Transport forms part of broader government efforts to address the persistent public transport challenges in the Greater Accra Region. The discussions come against the backdrop of growing public frustration over the shortage of commercial vehicles, rising transport fares, and prolonged waiting times during peak hours.
Story by Sheila Otuo – Baffour