Eyes on the Ground: Long distance buses resume operations after three-week partial lockdown

Operations of various sectors are gradually swinging into full force following the President’s lifting of the ban on restriction of movements in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.

During a tour by GhanaWeb, our cameras captured long-distance buses at the VIP station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle loading passengers and readying for takeoff.

A few private cars were seen dropping off people at the lorry station. Prior to the lift of the ban, however, the venue was practically deserted although there were a few buses parked at the yard.

During his 7th address updating the nation on progress of the coronavirus fight, President Akufo-Addo announced the lift of the ban on the three-week lockdown imposed on Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.

According to the President, the decision was influenced by several factors including Ghana’s ability to undertake aggressive contact tracing, an enhanced capacity to test, expansion of the number of treatment and isolation centres as well as the impact of the virus on the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas.

“Operators of public transport, including our buses, trotros and taxis, will continue to run with a minimum number of passengers, as they have been doing for the last three weeks in maintaining social distancing. They must also continue to ensure the maintenance of enhanced hygienic conditions in all vehicles and terminals, by providing, amongst others, hand sanitizers, running water and soap for washing of hands. Domestic airlines are required to adhere to the same protocols.” He added.