Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, called on the government to step in and take a more active role in Ghana’s public transportation system, arguing that the sector should not be left entirely to private operators.
Speaking to Joy News on Thursday, September 17, Tameklo warned that the heavy reliance on private bus companies raises national security concerns, as transport is a vital service that touches the daily lives of millions of Ghanaians. He said the state must provide and manage public transport to keep it accessible, reliable and responsive to the population’s needs.
The NPA boss linked the private sector’s dominance to frequent fare adjustments, which he said add financial pressure on commuters whenever fuel prices rise. He maintained that a stronger state presence—particularly through the provision of buses and other services—could cushion commuters from the immediate effects of fuel price increases.
“I have always maintained that from a purely national security point of view, public transport should not be left in the hands of the private sector only. The state must have an active role in public transportation,” Tameklo said. He added that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has assured the government will purchase more buses, and that the Local Government Minister is working to enable buses such as the Aayalolo to operate with police escorts so more people can use them.
What follows is a push for the government to increase its involvement in the sector, with the aim of stabilising fares and ensuring that fuel price hikes do not immediately burden commuters. The NPA will likely work with transport ministries and local authorities to explore how state‑run fleets can complement existing private services.
