News
81% of Passengers Feel Safer Using Ride-Hailing Services than Traditional Public Transport
A new safety perception report conducted by Ipsos, a multinational market research and consulting firm, has revealed that 81% of passengers in Ghana feel safer using ride-hailing services compared to traditional public transport.
The report, commissioned by Bolt, was presented at a press briefing in Accra last week.
DVLA Commends Findings
Speaking at the event, Mr. Albert Potobu, Acting Deputy Director of Research, Business Development and Innovation at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), described the report as a timely resource to support national efforts in enhancing road transport safety.
“Safety for both riders and drivers is our priority as an Authority. While we are working on a more comprehensive safety study, this report provides valuable insights that will feed into our work,” he said.
Mr. Potobu emphasised the importance of discipline, education, and technology integration to ensure safety across all transport modes.
“Before any driver is enrolled on a ride-hailing app, the DVLA ensures their license, roadworthiness, and documentation are valid. This helps maintain standards and safety on our roads,” he added.
Encouraging Technological Adaptation
With more Ghanaians shifting from traditional transport modes such as trotros to e-hailing platforms, Mr. Potobu urged the sector to adapt rather than resist technological advancement.
“Technology is evolving. Instead of seeing it as competition, other transport operators must improve safety standards to remain relevant,” he advised.
He acknowledged that, like any new technology, ride-hailing platforms present challenges, but stressed that regulators and service providers are collaborating to address emerging issues.
Bolt’s Safety Features and Commitment
Ms. Sandra Susan Boyole, Regional Public Relations Manager for Bolt Africa, expressed excitement at the high safety rating given by passengers.
“This is a great endorsement for us. It shows trust and confirms that ride-hailing is solving a major safety challenge in Ghana’s transport system,” she said.
Ms. Boyole highlighted several features currently available on the Bolt app to protect riders and drivers, including audio trip recording, live trip sharing with loved ones, and in-trip incident reporting.
She added that Bolt is continuously enhancing its safety toolkit and welcomes user feedback, including suggestions for a feature to recover items left behind by passengers.
“Feedback from regulators, drivers, and passengers helps us evolve. We are open to enhancing our systems to make our ecosystem safer,” she noted.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
