Ghana News Online

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that the government is expecting a €1 million grant from the Spanish Embassy to help expand the fleet of Ayalolo buses.

Speaking during a meeting with Vice President Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang and transport operators on Friday, January 16, 2026, Mr Ibrahim attributed the current urban transport crisis to the lack of retooling under the previous NPP government, revealing that Ayalolo has not added any buses to its fleet since receiving 200 vehicles in 2014.

“In 2014 to 2015, His Excellency the President of the Republic, President Mahama, also continued with the establishment of Aayalolo buses and also augmented the Kufuor buses. And that has been the trend. But for the past 10 years, there has not been retooling in all of these unions, and that’s why the problem is happening.”

He added: “When I assumed office as Minister responsible for Local Government, I called the Ayalolo boss and asked, ‘We gave you 200 buses in 2014. How many have you added?’ He said, ‘Zero.’ I then asked why he should continue in office. If all 200 buses are depreciating and none have been added, then step aside. A new boss came in,”

He also added that under the new management, Ayalolo approached the Spanish Embassy for support, which is expected to materialise once the Ministry of Finance issues a letter of no objection.

“When the new boss came in and realised the problem, he went to the Spanish Embassy. They wanted to give us a grant; all that was needed was a letter of no objection from the Minister for Finance. With your presence, I believe it will be granted.

“The current MD of Ayalolo will receive €1 million to augment the fleet. The Spanish ambassador has been following up, and we need that support,” he said.

The Vice President’s visit to the Ministry of Transport is aimed at engaging sector leadership on the persistent challenges confronting public transportation, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.

The visit comes amid growing public concern over the reduced availability of commercial vehicles during peak hours, inflated transport fares, and long waiting times, especially during the morning and evening rush periods.