Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that the introduction of electric buses in Ghana will reduce operational costs by approximately 50%, a move he believes will greatly benefit passengers.
Speaking at the inauguration of Ghana’s first fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Bawumia described the event as a historic milestone in the country’s transport sector.
“This is a defining moment in our efforts to transform public transport in Ghana.
We are not just adopting innovation; we are shaping a future where sustainability takes precedence,” Bawumia said, highlighting the strategic shift towards cleaner, greener technology in public transport.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the global challenges of climate change and air pollution make it imperative for countries like Ghana to embrace solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“The economic benefits of using electric buses cannot be overemphasized.
These buses will lower operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional diesel buses, ultimately reducing operational costs by about 50%,” he added.
“While the benefits are promising the success of this project relies heavily on commitment to robust and continuous maintenance because, the neglect and mishandling of buses will derail the efforts that have gone into the acquisition of these buses”.
He stated that as a people it is important to know that reckless use of public asserts represents an enormous drain on national resources.
“I therefore want to use this opportunity to urge the board and management to take steps to ensure that these buses stand the test of time.
The cost of postponed maintenance due to neglect is usually high and we must try to prevent such occurrences”. he noted.
