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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.”
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Confrontation with Police over unauthorised parking: Mayor of Accra apologises

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has apologised to the Police following an incident involving an officer from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), stressing that his actions were not targeted at the police but were intended to ensure compliance with city regulations.
Speaking to journalists on his usual monitoring exercise of the ongoing decongestion exercise, the Mayor said he returned to the same location where the confrontation occurred to demonstrate that enforcement was impartial and continuous to ensure a city where vehicles and pedestrians could move freely.


“You can see, today I’m back here again to the same place where the incident happened,” he stated explaining that the disagreement arose because the officer in question was allegedly allowing drivers to park and load passengers at unauthorised locations within the Central Business District.
According to him, such practices undermined the Assembly’s efforts to maintain order and reduce congestion.
“The police officer was not doing the right thing, and the people are still here today because of that,” he remarked, gesturing to clamped vehicles lined along the roadside.
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Prof. Dodoo named ARSO President Emeritus

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has unanimously conferred Professor Alex Dodoo with the honorary title of President Emeritus following resolutions by both its executive council and general assembly.
The decision, which was taken during the 31st General Assembly of ARSO in Zanzibar, Tanzania, last Friday, recognised Prof. Dodoo’s exceptional leadership in advancing continental standards for trade, safety and sustainable development.
The resolution ensured his continued advisory role in the strategic direction of ARSO while mentoring future standardisation leaders across Africa.
The Secretary-General of ARSO, Dr Hemogene Nsengimana, said the title of President Emeritus was reserved for leaders whose impact transcended their tenure, reflecting lifelong dedication to their field.
Excellence
As immediate past ARSO President and Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Dodoo spearheaded the creation of critical structures within ARSO and influenced harmonisation initiatives supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Professor Dodoo, an expert in pharmaceuticals, public health, and standards regulation, has played a pivotal role in shaping the standardisation landscape of Africa.
Under his leadership, ARSO saw effective collaboration among member states culminating in the general assembly this year, and bringing together a record 34 countries, the highest in the history of the organisation.
The advocacy of Professor Dodoo for “One Standard, One Test, One Acceptance” across Africa has been instrumental in reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering economic integration.
In his new role, Professor Dodoo would continue to provide strategic guidance to ARSO, mentor emerging leaders in standardisation, and champion the voice of Africa in global standards bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Professor Dodoo, in his acceptance remark, said, “This honour is not just a personal milestone but shows the collective efforts of all stakeholders working toward a standardised, competitive, and quality-driven Africa.”
He said, “Our journey is far from over, and I remain committed to the vision of an Africa where standards fuel prosperity.”
As President Emeritus, Professor Dodoo is expected to focus on critical areas such as strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure, advocating for standards in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital economies and bridging the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers in standardisation.
Competence
The Executive Director of the Standards Division at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, said Prof. Dodoo had contributed towards the leadership of the ARSO Council in driving strategy, governance, “reviewing our laws and statutes and ensuring their implementation”.
“I hope he will still serve the needs and aspirations of ARSO in his new role,” he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Private sector leaders who attended the event also lauded Professor Dodoo’s efforts to align African standards with global best practices.
The Regional Director of COTECNA, a key partner in the continental standards community, Antoine Anne, for his part, said the appointment of Professor Dodoo reaffirmed the commitment of the African continent to excellence.
Source: Graphic.com.gh