Crumbling Buses, Broken Trust: Ghana’s Public Transport Crisis Reaches a Breaking Point

By Innocent Samuel Appiah
The Inter-City State Transport Corporation (ISTC), Ghana’s state-owned public transportation provider, is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions as its aging and dilapidated fleet of buses continues to pose grave safety risks for the millions of Ghanaians who rely on its services daily.
A comprehensive investigation has unveiled the grim reality behind the ISTC’s transportation woes. The corporation’s current fleet of 185 buses is in a state of advanced decay, with the majority of the vehicles well past their recommended lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
“These buses are literally falling apart at the seams,” said a senior ISTC maintenance engineer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The average age of our fleet is between 15 to 20 years, which is far beyond what any bus should be able to safely operate. We’re seeing an alarming increase in mechanical failures, breakdowns, and safety-related incidents that are putting the lives of our passengers at grave risk.”
The engineer’s admission paints a dire picture of the corporation’s transportation network, which has become a ticking time bomb for the millions of Ghanaians who rely on it daily. Many of the buses currently in service lack even the most basic safety features, such as reliable braking systems, emergency exits, and seatbelts, further exacerbating the dangers faced by commuters.
“It’s only a matter of time before we see a catastrophic accident that could have devastating consequences,” warned Abraham Kwasi Owusu, a transport infrastructure specialist. “These vehicles are operating well beyond their limits, and the ISTC’s management is essentially gambling with the lives of the public. The government and the corporation need to take immediate action to address this crisis before it’s too late.”
The ISTC’s heavy dependence on private “Alliance Partners” to supplement its aging fleet has further compounded the safety concerns. While the corporation claims to have stringent inspection and monitoring protocols in place, the lack of transparency surrounding these arrangements has fueled public skepticism and eroded trust in the system.
“We don’t know the full details of the contracts with these private operators,” said Kwame Asiedu, a transportation policy analyst. “There’s a real risk that some of these buses may not be properly maintained or may not meet the same safety standards as the ISTC’s own fleet. The public deserves to know that they’re being transported in safe and roadworthy vehicles, regardless of who operates them.”
This situation has come to a head in recent months, as a series of high-profile incidents have highlighted the dire state of the ISTC’s fleet. In September 2023, a 20-year-old bus operated by one of the Alliance Partners collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of 12 passengers and leaving dozens more injured. The subsequent investigation revealed that the bus had a history of mechanical issues and had failed to undergo the recommended safety inspections.
“This tragedy could have been prevented if the ISTC had taken a more proactive approach to fleet management and safety,” said Nana Ama Gyasi, a transportation policy expert. “The fact that they continue to rely so heavily on private operators, whose vehicles may not meet the same stringent standards, is a major contributing factor to the ongoing safety crisis.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the ISTC’s challenges, as the company’s already strained financial resources have been stretched to the limit. The implementation of social distancing measures, the closure of international borders, and the rising costs of fuel and spare parts have all contributed to a significant decline in revenue, making it even more difficult for the ISTC to prioritize fleet renewal.
According to Nana Akomea, Managing Director of ISTC, the pandemic has been a devastating blow to their operations, and that they’ve had to divert what little resources we have to maintaining our existing fleet, leaving us with no choice but to rely even more heavily on the Alliance Partners, but this is a situation that is simply not sustainable in the long run.
As the ISTC continues to grapple with these challenges, the safety and well-being of the millions of Ghanaians who rely on its services remain at the forefront of the public’s concerns. Experts and stakeholders agree that urgent action is needed to address the corporation’s aging fleet and to restore the public’s trust in the country’s public transportation system.
“The government has a fundamental responsibility to protect the rights and safety of its citizens,” said Nana Ama Gyasi. “Investing in a modern, well-maintained public transportation system should be an absolute priority. Anything less is a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the Ghanaian people.”
In recent months, the government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis and has pledged to take immediate steps to address the situation. These measures include the allocation of additional funding for fleet renewal, the implementation of stricter safety standards and oversight mechanisms for the Alliance Partnership model, and the exploration of alternative financing models to support the ISTC’s long-term sustainability.
“We understand the urgency of this situation, and we are committed to taking decisive action to restore the ISTC’s fleet and regain the trust of the public,” said the Minister of Transport. “The safety and well-being of our citizens are non-negotiable, and we will spare no effort in ensuring that Ghana’s public transportation system meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.”
These words, while reassuring, must be swiftly translated into concrete action if the government is to address the critical challenges facing the ISTC and restore public confidence in the country’s public transportation system.
According to transportation policy expert Nana Ama Gyasi, the government’s acknowledgement of the crisis is a positive first step, but much more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the ISTC’s fleet crisis.
“The government’s commitment to allocating additional funding for fleet renewal and implementing stricter safety standards is a step in the right direction,” said Gyasi. “However, the true test will be in the execution and the ability to ensure that these measures are implemented transparently and effectively.”
Gyasi emphasized that the government must also address the ISTC’s heavy reliance on private “Alliance Partners,” which has eroded the corporation’s autonomy and compromised its ability to maintain a modern, well-functioning fleet.
“The government must take a hard look at the Alliance Partnership model and ensure that the terms of these agreements are renegotiated to prioritize passenger safety and public service over private profit,” Gyasi said. “Without clear and enforceable standards, the public will continue to have doubts about the safety and reliability of the vehicles being used to transport them.”
Furthermore, the transportation policy expert stressed the importance of exploring alternative financing models and revenue streams to support the ISTC’s long-term sustainability, rather than relying solely on passenger fares.
“The government needs to get creative in finding ways to diversify the ISTC’s funding sources, whether through public-private partnerships, targeted subsidies, or innovative financing mechanisms,” Gyasi said. “This will not only help to alleviate the burden on commuters but also provide the resources necessary to invest in a modern, well-maintained fleet of buses.”
The stakes are high, as the reliable and affordable movement of people is a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s social and economic development. Failure to address the ISTC’s fleet crisis decisively and transparently could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s progress.
“The government has a duty to the people of Ghana to ensure that public transportation is safe, accessible, and reliable,” Gyasi emphasized. “Anything less is a betrayal of the public trust and a disservice to the citizens who depend on these services every day.”
As the ISTC and the government navigate this complex and challenging situation, the public will be closely monitoring their actions and holding them accountable for the promises made. The future of Ghana’s public transportation system, and the well-being of millions of commuters, hangs in the balance.