Ayariga hands over Honda motorcycles to boost Aayalolo contra-flow ahead of Christmas

Efforts to ease rush-hour congestion in Greater Accra have received a boost with the handover of additional Honda motorcycles to support the Aayalolo contra-flow service ahead of Christmas.

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, presented the motorcycles to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.

He said they would help dispatch riders keep buses moving during peak hours, when more passengers are expected to use the service over the festive period.

The handover follows difficulties with escort coverage along the Amasaman corridor, where the late arrival of a dispatch rider reportedly disrupted bus operations.

Riders assigned to the Accra Central MTTD will use the motorcycles to escort buses and manage traffic along the designated routes.

The Commanding Officer of the Accra Central MTTD, DCOP Prince Cobbinah, thanked the Ministry for the support and pledged the department’s full cooperation.

He said the Police would use the motorcycles to improve traffic flow and help reduce travel time for commuters.

Ayariga also dismissed reports on social media that an Aayalolo bus had been involved in a crash.

He explained that the buses had diverted from their usual route to avoid an existing crash scene and urged the public to verify information before sharing it.

The contra-flow service began on 29 September on the Amasaman, Adenta and Kasoa corridors into central Accra.

It allows Aayalolo buses under police escort to use designated stretches of lanes that normally carry traffic in the opposite direction.

The Ministry supports the initiative through the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), working with the MTTD and the Department of Urban Roads.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, remain patient and follow police directions, especially during the morning peak from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the evening peak from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The arrangement is an interim measure to ease congestion and improve bus travel while government explores longer-term options for Accra, including light rail.