Sam George meets Yango, Transport Ministry on Digital Transport Partnerships

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has outlined plans to deepen technology integration within Ghana’s transport sector through new partnerships, while stressing that operational oversight will remain with the Ministry of Transport.

Hon. George, who hosted representatives from ride-hailing company Yango, the Ministry of Transport, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in his office on Friday, August 15, 2025, said the collaboration would strengthen Ghana’s transport digitization drive.

“We will ensure that any relevant technological conversation is well aligned, but the Transport Ministry will lead on operational matters,” he said, noting that the role of his ministry is to provide the digital backbone and regulatory guidance to ensure seamless adoption of technology-driven solutions.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to modernise Ghana’s transport system, improve safety standards, and align digital innovation with existing policy frameworks.

Transport Minister, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, welcomed the proposals put forward by Yango and encouraged the company to formally submit them for further evaluation. He revealed that Ghana already has a national electric vehicle policy with a clear roadmap for implementation, and stressed that government is committed to working with private sector partners to enhance transport infrastructure and services.

“Government is open to partnerships that bring efficiency, improve commuter experience and help us transition into cleaner and smarter transport systems,” he said.

The discussions were attended by senior officials, including Deputy Minister for Transport Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport Mrs. Mabel Asi Sagoe, and Mr. Abraham Zata, Acting Director of Research, Business and Innovation at the DVLA.

Yango, a fast-growing digital transport company operating across Africa and Europe, was represented by Shashi Singh, Chief Operating Officer for MENA; Zanyiwe Asare, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa; Tom Ofonime, Country Head for Ghana; and Mohammed Suhuyini Zakaria, Public Policy Consultant for Ghana.

Both ministries agreed that the engagement was an introductory step that would be followed by technical reviews of Yango’s proposals. Officials hinted that subsequent meetings would focus on practical models for integrating technology into licensing, passenger safety, fleet monitoring, and support for Ghana’s electric vehicle transition.

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With the Communications Ministry focusing on digital frameworks, the Transport Ministry ensuring operational policy, and regulators like the DVLA overseeing compliance, stakeholders believe that partnerships with innovators like Yango could transform mobility in the country.

“As we digitize, we must ensure safety, affordability, and sustainability remain at the heart of Ghana’s transport sector,” Hon. George added.