Uncovering the grim Reality of Ghana’s Crumbling Public Transportation Fleet

The Inter-City State Transport Corporation (ISTC), Ghana’s state-owned public transportation provider, is facing a harrowing crisis as its aging and dilapidated fleet of buses continues to jeopardize the safety and well-being of millions of Ghanaian commuters.

A deep dive investigation by our team has unveiled the grim reality behind the ISTC’s transportation woes. The corporation’s current fleet of 185 buses is in a state of advanced decay, with the majority of the vehicles well past their recommended lifespan of 7 to 10 years.

“These buses are literally falling apart at the seams,” said a senior ISTC maintenance engineer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The average age of our fleet is between 15 and 20 years, which is far beyond what any bus should be able to safely operate. We’re seeing an alarming increase in mechanical failures, breakdowns, and safety-related incidents that are putting the lives of our passengers at grave risk.”

The engineer’s stark admission paints a dire picture of the corporation’s transportation network, which has become a ticking time bomb for the millions of Ghanaians who rely on it daily. Many of the buses currently in service lack even the most basic safety features, such as reliable braking systems, emergency exits, and seatbelts, further exacerbating the dangers faced by commuters.

“It’s only a matter of time before we see a catastrophic accident that could have devastating consequences,” warned transport infrastructure specialist Kofi Mensah. “These vehicles are operating well beyond their limits, and the ISTC’s management is essentially gambling with the lives of the public. The government and the corporation need to take immediate action to address this crisis before it’s too late.”

The ISTC’s heavy dependence on private “Alliance Partners” to supplement its ageing fleet has further compounded the safety concerns. While the corporation claims to have stringent inspection and monitoring protocols in place, the lack of transparency surrounding these arrangements has fuelled public scepticism and eroded trust in the system.

“We don’t know the full details of the contracts with these private operators,” said transportation policy analyst Abena Yeboah. “There’s a real risk that some of these buses may not be properly maintained or may not meet the same safety standards as the ISTC’s own fleet. The public deserves to know that they’re being transported in safe and roadworthy vehicles, regardless of who operates them.”

This situation has come to a head in recent months, as a series of high-profile incidents have highlighted the dire state of the ISTC’s fleet. In September 2023, a 20-year-old bus operated by one of the Alliance Partners collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of 12 passengers and leaving dozens more injured. The subsequent investigation revealed that the bus had a history of mechanical issues and had failed to undergo the recommended safety inspections.

“This tragedy could have been prevented if the ISTC had taken a more proactive approach to fleet management and safety,” said transportation policy expert Nana Ama Gyasi. “The fact that they continue to rely so heavily on private operators, whose vehicles may not meet the same stringent standards, is a major contributing factor to the ongoing safety crisis.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the ISTC’s challenges, as the company’s already strained financial resources have been stretched to the limit. The implementation of social distancing measures, the closure of international borders, and the rising costs of fuel and spare parts have all contributed to a significant decline in revenue, making it even more difficult for the ISTC to prioritize fleet renewal.

“The pandemic has been a devastating blow to our operations,” said a senior ISTC official, who requested anonymity. “We’ve had to divert what little resources we have to maintain our existing fleet, leaving us with no choice but to rely even more heavily on the Alliance Partners. This is a situation that is simply not sustainable in the long run.”

As the ISTC continues to grapple with these challenges, the safety and well-being of the millions of Ghanaians who rely on its services remain at the forefront of the public’s concerns. Experts and stakeholders agree that urgent, transparent, and comprehensive action is needed to address the corporation’s ageing fleet and restore public trust in the country’s public transportation system.

“The government has a fundamental responsibility to protect the rights and safety of its citizens,” said Nana Ama Gyasi, a transportation policy expert. “Investing in a modern, well-maintained public transportation system should be an absolute priority. Anything less is a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the Ghanaian people.”

With the ISTC’s fleet continuing to deteriorate and the public’s patience wearing thin, time is of the essence. Failure to address this crisis decisively and transparently could have dire consequences for Ghana’s social and economic development, as the reliable and affordable movement of people is a fundamental pillar of the country’s progress.

Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah ||expressnewsghana