Mid-year Budget Review: Gov’t to acquire high-capacity buses to ease commuter congestion

The government has allocated GH¢400 million to acquire high-capacity buses to improve public transport and ease commuter congestion across the country.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the allocation on Thursday when he presented the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament, saying the intervention forms part of the government’s efforts to improve urban mobility and provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation for Ghanaians.

According to the Finance Minister, the new buses will strengthen the fleets of state-owned transport operators, including Metro Mass Transit and the State Transport Company (STC), to meet growing passenger demand on busy urban and intercity routes.

“Government is committed to improving urban mobility and providing safe, reliable, and affordable public transportation for Ghanaians. To this end, Government is reallocating GH¢400 million for the acquisition of high-occupancy buses to strengthen the fleets of state-owned transport companies, including Metro Mass Transit and the State Transport Company (STC),” he said.

Dr. Forson explained that expanding the fleets of the state transport companies would reduce long waiting times experienced by commuters while encouraging more people to use public transport instead of private vehicles.

“This intervention will expand public transport capacity, particularly along high-demand urban and intercity routes, reduce long passenger queues during peak hours, and provide commuters with a more reliable and efficient alternative to private vehicle use,” he stated.

The announcement formed part of a broader update on the implementation of key government initiatives outlined in the 2026 Budget.

The Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review highlighted ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, energy, revenue mobilisation and flood mitigation measures aimed at supporting economic growth and improving public service delivery.

The planned acquisition of the buses is expected to complement ongoing investments in road infrastructure under the government’s Big Push Programme while addressing increasing demand for dependable public transportation.