The minister among other dignitaries after the event
The Government of Ghana, through the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has inaugurated the 4th Executive Council of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), reinforcing its commitment to improving urban mobility and accessibility across the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, transport authorities, and members of the media.
In his inaugural address, the minister emphasised the strategic importance of GAPTE in transforming public transportation in Accra.
He noted that the institution, established under the Ghana Urban Transport Project, has evolved into a critical body responsible for transport planning, network development, and regulation within the capital region.
He highlighted GAPTE’s vision of delivering world-class mobility services through innovative and sustainable transit systems.
The minister underscored the significance of collaboration among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who form part of the Executive Council.
He urged members to move beyond isolated approaches and adopt coordinated, inter-jurisdictional strategies to address urban transport challenges. According to him, such cooperation is essential to achieving efficient and inclusive mobility across GAMA.
Touching on the current state of urban transport, the minister pointed to key challenges, including traffic congestion, long commuting times, and limited infrastructure.
He revealed that although Accra contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy, its transport system continues to struggle to meet the demands of a growing population. These challenges, he stressed, highlight the urgency of implementing effective and sustainable transport solutions.
Despite these concerns, the minister maintained a positive outlook, describing the newly inaugurated Council as a transformative force capable of reshaping the region’s transport landscape.
He encouraged members to embrace innovation and strategic thinking in addressing mobility issues, particularly by strengthening mass transit systems such as the Aayalolo bus service and aligning operations with the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
He further called on the Council to prioritize safety, environmental sustainability, and improved service delivery.
By enhancing public transport systems, he noted, the Council has the opportunity to improve quality of life, reduce travel times, and promote cleaner urban environments for residents.
He also emphasised the importance of protecting transport infrastructure and deepening partnerships across sectors.
Concluding his address, the minister expressed confidence in the Council’s ability to deliver meaningful results over its tenure.
He urged members to remain committed, collaborative and forward-thinking in their work, noting that their decisions will have lasting impacts on the development of Greater Accra.
The ceremony ended on a hopeful note, with a collective call to work towards a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable transport system for the nation.
On behalf of the newly inaugurated body, members of the Executive Council pledged their commitment to delivering on their mandate with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of public responsibility.
They assured government and the people of Greater Accra of their readiness to work collaboratively across jurisdictions, implement innovative transport solutions, and contribute meaningfully to building an efficient, reliable and sustainable urban transport system.
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