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Metro Mass sold 313 scrap buses for GHC2,500 each in 2020- Deputy MD reveals

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The Deputy Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Ltd, Haroun Apaw Wiredu, has disclosed that the company sold 313 unserviceable buses for about GHC2,500 each in October 2020.

According to him on TV3 Ghana, internal records show that the buses were declared unserviceable and disposed of during the period, generating about GHC2.9 million.

The money was expected to be paid into a bus acquisition account.

Mr Apaw Wiredu explained that Metro Mass was established in 2003 and inherited buses and assets from the defunct State Transport Corporation. At its peak, the company had over 1,000 buses nationwide.

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He outlined that by 2017, Metro Mass had about 1,100 buses, with more than 600 operational and over 500 undergoing repairs.

However, when the current management assumed office in March, the number of operational buses across the country had dropped sharply to about 115.

He noted that Ghana now has 16 regional capitals and over 260 district capitals, with a population far larger than when Metro Mass was established. Despite this, the company is currently operating the lowest number of buses in its history.

Mr Apaw Wiredu revealed that more scrap buses now exist than buses actively on route. He attributed this to what he described as deliberate cannibalisation by previous management.

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He explained that buses were intentionally parked and stripped of usable parts such as tyres springs and other components to repair other buses. Once most parts were removed, the buses were declared unserviceable and sold cheaply.

He questioned how a complete bus could be sold for as little as GHC2,500, stressing that even in poor condition the value should have been higher.

The Deputy MD noted that although management has not been able to recover the sold buses, an external auditor has been engaged to investigate the matter. A draft audit report has already been submitted for review.

He further disclosed that despite operating only 115 buses, Metro Mass is currently recording its highest revenue ever. This improvement followed the full automation of the company’s revenue collection system.

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He explained that the automation was introduced under a three month performance contract issued by President John Dramani Mahama to reduce revenue leakages and eliminate manual cash handling.

According to him, revenue collection has increased from about GHC9.3 million in previous years to between GHC13 million and GHC14 million monthly, even during low peak periods.

Mr Apaw Wiredu added that new procurement systems have been introduced to prevent abuse and ensure spare parts are properly tracked and used for their intended purposes.

He assured that management is committed to restoring accountability improving worker welfare and rebuilding Metro Mass to serve the growing transport needs of the country.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Hanan Aludiba’s Lawyer to appeal High Court decision despite order to amend charges

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Lawyers for former NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, say they will file an appeal despite a High Court directive for the Attorney General to amend two counts of defrauding by false pretences in the ongoing case.

The court on Wednesday ordered the AG to amend the two charges in the case involving the former NAFCO CEO and co-accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel for Hanan Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.

“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he said.

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The case is part of ongoing prosecutions linked to alleged financial irregularities at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).

The High Court’s directive means the prosecution will have to revise aspects of the charge sheet before the trial proceeds further.

Background

Counsel for former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame, filed an application seeking to have the charges against their client dismissed.

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They contend the charges are fundamentally flawed and violate his right to a fair trial.

The State, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, maintaining that the charges are valid and that the accused ought to face trial.

Lawyers for Hanan’s wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, led by Augustine Obour, who would also benefit if the application succeeded, yielded their time to the lead counsel for the first accused.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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High Court rejects dismissal request in NAFCO Case, orders prosecution to amend 2 of 16 Charges Against former CEO

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The High Court has declined a request by lead counsel for former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, to dismiss charges against him, but has directed the Attorney General to amend two of the 16 counts filed against him.

Presiding Judge, Justice Francis Apangabonu Achibonga, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, ruled today that while the prosecution must revise Counts 9 and 14, the trial will proceed on all charges.

This means the trial of the couple will continue on a combined 20 counts.

Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba is facing 16 counts, while his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, is facing 4 counts. Both pleaded not guilty on May 18, 2026 and are currently on bail.

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Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and lead counsel for the first accused, had argued for the dismissal of the charges. Reacting after the ruling, he said the decision was not sound and indicated plans to file an appeal.

“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he stated.

Augustines Obuor is lead counsel for the second accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni, whiles the Republic was represented by Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General.

The case relates to alleged financial irregularities at NAFCO and is being closely watched as part of government’s efforts to hold public officials accountable.

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The court has directed the prosecution to effect the amendments to Counts 9 and 14 before the trial proceeds further.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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