Ghana’s public transport crisis is no longer just a matter of inconvenience. Every day, thousands of commuters are caught in a battle for trotros, taxis, and sanity. From Lapaz to Kasoa, it is not just the long queues and delays that hurt — it is the exhaustion, the stress, and the growing cost to public health and the climate.
From early morning to late evening, passengers and drivers alike struggle with the same overloaded transport system. But as frustration builds, it is becoming clear that this daily stress is more than a personal issue. It is a planning failure with real economic and environmental consequences.
“Every Day, It’s a Struggle”
For many workers, simply getting to their job is a battle.
One passenger said, “Trying to get a car home is difficult. We experience this each and every day. I get home stressed, and I find it hard to sleep. The government is not trying. They should at least make more cars available.”
Another explained, “I’ve been standing here for almost an hour. Not even a single car going to Kasoa. I need to wake up early and get to work by 7. Now it’s almost 7, and I’m still stuck here. I won’t get home before 8 tonight. Look at all the time I’ve lost. It’s affecting my health. We are pleading with the government to do something because the availability of cars is very poor.”
One man who works at Ghana Water shared how the delays are affecting his performance. “Every day, I have to board a car to Achimota to work. I can be here for almost one hour without getting a car. By the time I arrive, work time is gone. I work for a few hours, and then I’m tired. We are really suffering.”
Drivers Are On Their Own
Commercial drivers also face serious problems. A driver at the Lapaz Station put it plainly.
“Government workers can go to the bank and take loans to support themselves. But we drivers, we are on our own. Look over there. None of those drivers even has a car. So how are their wives and children supposed to eat? Things are hard at home, and we just come and sit here, hoping. The government doesn’t support us, and our work isn’t respected. But we also contribute to the country’s development. They should recognize that and include us in their budgets too.”
He added that traffic actually helps their work — even if it means commuters suffer.
“In the mornings, when people are stranded, it’s actually good for us. It gives us more work. The more people are stuck at bus stops, the more trips we make. But when there’s heavy traffic, we also lose time. So some drivers avoid loading straight to Lapaz. They load to Circle, then continue to Lapaz in pieces. Otherwise they waste two hours in traffic and can’t complete enough trips.”
Another driver added, “I work from Lapaz to Accra. When I load and go, I can’t return quickly because of traffic. Traders have taken over parts of the road, so the road has become very small. If they were removed, the road would be free and easier for us to use.”
Trotros, Taxis and a Failing System
According to Bernard Fordjour, Assistant Planning Officer at the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, the main problem is that Ghana’s public transport depends too heavily on trotros and taxis.
“We have an urbanization issue in Accra. Everybody wants to come here. And once the population increases, and we still depend on trotros and taxis, we will face challenges. These vehicles are not enough.”
He noted that past attempts to fix the system, like the Ayalolo bus project, have failed due to poor funding and lack of commitment. “The government should invest more in public bus transport. And also look at railway development. But yes, operating costs are high. Resistance from trotro unions will also be a challenge. Still, if we can fund it properly, it will help.”
Fordjour also supports eco-friendly alternatives. “We are seeing some electric vehicles. I think the government should patronize them and even consider removing taxes on them. It’s better than depending on petrol and diesel cars that destroy the ecosystem.”
The Climate Cost of Ghana’s Public Transport Crisis
Josephine Agbeko, Executive Director at Climate Voice Global, says the overuse of old trotro vehicles is not just a transport issue. It is a climate and public health risk.
“Most of the cars on our roads are older than 10, 20, even 30 years. The older the car, the more pollution it emits. This contributes heavily to climate change, and we’re seeing a rise in respiratory and heart-related illnesses because of the polluted air people inhale daily — especially hawkers and passengers stuck in traffic.”
She welcomed the recent introduction of electric buses in Ghana but warned that real progress requires more than good ideas.
“A long-term fix to Ghana’s public transport crisis will require investment in electric buses.”
“We need proper infrastructure: charging stations, access to reliable energy, trained technicians. We must think beyond just introducing electric buses. Sustainability is key.”
What Can Be Done?
Agbeko outlined key steps Ghana must take to improve public transport in both practical and climate-conscious ways:
- Invest in electric buses and e-mobility infrastructure.
- Ensure affordability, accessibility and equity in all transport systems.
- Create walkable, safe pavements and non-motorized transit options.
- Integrate trains, large-capacity buses and trotros in a multi-modal system.
“Transport systems must work for everyone,” she said. “Children, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and people in the outskirts all deserve access to safe, clean and reliable public transport.”
Enforcement Must Work Too
Pearl Satekla of the National Road Safety Authority added that enforcement also plays a key role. “When pedestrians turn into roadside sellers, drivers are forced to slow down, traffic builds up and fewer cars get to pick up passengers. All security agencies, especially the police, have the authority to enforce traffic regulations. If it’s not working, we can even deploy soldiers. Assemblies must also play their part.”
Swift or Stranded? A Daily Decision
In Accra today, the simple act of getting to work or returning home can feel like a gamble. Until Ghana builds a better system, passengers will continue to be stranded, drivers will remain unsupported and the climate will keep absorbing the cost.
Related: Unsafe Walkways: A Simple Walk Shouldn’t Be a Gamble
Read Also: Trading on Roads: The Urban Space Crisis in Ghana
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