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Bawumia launches Tap N’ Go’ system for public transport in Ghana
A multi-functional, cross-utility card to access and pay for public transport services across the country has been launched by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Tap n’ Go Transport service, beginning with the Metro Mass Transit Limited’s Inter-City Services, will soon be rolled out to other transport operators like the GPRTU, VIP, VVIP, STC, taxis and trotros to address the many challenges facing the sector, including corruption, and a lack of transparency and accountability, according to officials of the Ministry of Transport.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Accra on Monday, February 19, 2024 Vice President Bawumia expressed delight at the success of Government’s ongoing, holistic digitalisation efforts, which have seen interventions in such key areas as the Port, DVLA, Passport Office, NHIS and Registrar General Department, and hinted of more in the offing.
“Today marks another landmark in our nation’s digital journey and the quest for a cashless society. The launch of the Tap n’ Go Transport service for Metro Mass Inter-City Services, our latest digital initiative for the transport sector, is a momentous occasion in our journey towards a more efficient and digitally empowered transportation system.
“Soon, almost every transport operator, from VIP to VVIP, from STC to Aayalolo, will be able to offer its patrons the Tap n’ Go experience.
“Just as all the digital initiatives we have, the Tap n’ Go is designed to ensure ease of use for both drivers and the general public through a digital card preloaded with cash, or through the Tap n’ Go app downloaded on a phone,” he explained.
Tap n’ Go
Drawing a clear distinction between the closed-loop, very limited system designed in the past for the exclusive use of Aayalolo buses, Dr Bawumia said the new Tap n’ Go had new, exciting features which allowed it to be used on all public systems in the country, including railways.
“The new, expansive Tap n’ Go system, is equipped with added features tailored to support various modes of transportation, including taxi hailing, intercity bus services, inner city bus services such as Metro Mass, Aayalolo, and soon GPTRU trotro services, which will be integrated seamlessly,” he emphasised.
Serving as an inclusive platform for all types of public transport services in Ghana, the Tap n’ Go aims to revolutionise the country’s public transport experience by helping to curb some age-old problems associated with the public transport system such as corruption, mistrust between drivers, mates and vehicle owners, as well as the hassle of cash transactions, causing needless delays over fare change.
“With the Tap n’ Go system, the common problem of boarding a trotro/bus with a 50, 100 or a 200 Cedi note and its associated discomfort of the driver’s mate not having a change and having to spend more time, will soon be a thing of the past.
“With the Tap n’ Go system, the issue of drivers not trusting their mates to fully account for the day’s sales will soon be a thing of the past.
“With the Tap n’ Go system, the problem of vehicle owners, worrying about accurate daily takings and the whereabouts of their vehicles at any given time, will be a thing of the past.
“With the Tap n’ Go system, the problem of diversion of funds within state-owned intra and inter-city buses will be a thing of the past, as the system will help check corruption by promoting transparency.
“With today’s launch of the Tap n’ Go for Metro Mass inter-city services, we are moving into a new, digitalised public transport system, where our journeys begin with a simple tap, where every seat on a public bus is just a click away, where the hassle of cash transactions fades into oblivion, where there will be transparency between car owners, drivers and mates, and most importantly, where there will not necessarily be the need to carry cash to access public transport in Ghana” an elated Dr Bawumia declared.
Extolling the potential and actual benefits of the Tap n’ Go system on Ghana’s public transport sector, Dr Bawumia called on all stakeholders in the sector to “embrace this opportunity with open arms and work together towards a future where every journey is safe, efficient, and accessible to all.”
“The launch of Tap n’ Go inter-city with Metro Mass Transport, further underlines our commitment to embracing technology for the betterment of our nation.
“This adds to the number of digital interventions we have pursued over the past seven years to not only make access to public service easier, but also to address many issues in our society, including corruption.
“I am confident the Tap n Go system will serve as a powerful tool in addressing these issues to ensure transparency in ticketing, mitigate revenue losses, reduce waiting times at terminals, and optimise operational costs.”
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
