Mahama Ayariga recounts resistance to Ayalolo contraflow plan before successful trial

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, recounted the resistance he faced when proposing a contraflow arrangement for Ayalolo buses in Accra. The transport officials, who were skeptical of the plan's feasibility, repeatedly tried to dissuade him from implementing it. However, Ayariga remained determined and challenged them to conduct a practical trial at 5 am the following day.

He threatened to drive the buses himself if they refused to participate. The officials eventually agreed to take part in the trial, which proceeded smoothly. Ayariga then requested a second trial to assess the return journey and determine the time required for the entire trip. Both trials demonstrated that the arrangement was workable.

With the contraflow arrangement now in place, Ayariga aims to increase the operational capacity of the Ayalolo buses by expanding their daily trips from three to four or six, depending on passenger demand. He believes the buses could manage more journeys and wants operators to push for this expansion, which would increase passenger capacity and improve the service's financial sustainability.

Ayariga also emphasized the need for greater transparency in presenting the service's financial records to determine if the proposed expansion is viable.