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The State Transport Company (STC) has a rich history dating back to 1965, when it was established as a public transport service to provide affordable and efficient transportation to Ghanaians. Since its inception, STC buses have been solely owned and operated by the state, serving as a vital public service.
However, recent revelations suggest a stark departure from this tradition, with approximately 80% of buses operating under the STC brand now owned by private individuals, many of whom are allegedly linked to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This raises questions about the overlap between politics and public services.
The 80% Conundrum
Reports indicate that under the current NPP government led by President Nana Addo and Vice President Bawumiah, the ownership structure of STC buses has drastically changed. Private individuals, many with ties to the ruling party, now own a significant majority of the buses. Alarmingly, sources suggest that less than 10% of the revenue generated by these privately-owned buses finds its way back to the state-owned STC company.
Historical Context
During the regimes of President John Evans Atta Mills and President John Dramani Mahama, a total of 300 new buses were added to the STC fleet, expanding the company’s capacity and improving its services. These additions were made to enhance the public service, not to enrich private individuals. Notably, these buses remain the property of the state, unlike the current arrangement where private individuals own the buses.
Party Officials’ Involvement
Among the allegedly owners of these buses are notable NPP figures, including Freddy Blay, Nana Akomeah, and other high-ranking party apparatchiks. The exact number of buses owned by these individuals is unclear, but sources suggest it is substantial. This concentration of ownership among party officials sparks questions about favoritism, cronyism, and the potential for undue influence.
Implications and Concerns
The entanglement of politics and public services has far-reaching implications. It may lead to favoritism in the allocation of routes, contracts, and other benefits, undermining the very essence of public service. Furthermore, it raises questions about the use of public resources for personal enrichment and the potential for corruption.
Conclusion
The STC bus issue needs for transparency and accountability in public services. It is crucial to separate politics from public services to ensure that the latter serves the interests of all citizens, not just a select few. I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this matter and establish clear guidelines to prevent the hijacking of public services for political gain.
The Head of STC Must Answer Questions
The Head of STC must provide answers to the following questions:
- Why has the state-owned STC company deviated from its traditional model of owning and operating buses?
- How were private individuals, mostly affiliated with the NPP, selected to own and operate STC buses?
- What measures are in place to ensure that public resources are not being used for personal enrichment?
- Why is less than 10% of the revenue generated by privately-owned STC buses going back to the state-owned company?
- What steps will be taken to restore the integrity of STC as a public service provider?
Ghanaians deserve answers to these questions, and it is only by demanding transparency and accountability that we can ensure that our public services serve the greater good, not just the interests of a select few.
