Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 election, has promised to reduce public transportation costs in Ghana if elected. This commitment was made during the NPP’s manifesto launch on Sunday, August 18, where Dr. Bawumia outlined a plan to promote the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in public transportation.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to make transportation more sustainable and cost-effective across the country. According to him, the first batch of electric vehicles for public transportation will be introduced by the end of 2024, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
“We will reduce the cost of public transportation by promoting and supporting Electric Vehicles (EVs) for public transportation,” Dr. Bawumia stated, expressing confidence that this move will ease the financial burden on Ghanaians who rely on public transport daily.
The economic benefits of this shift were highlighted by the comparative cost analysis provided by Dr. Bawumia. Currently, filling a 45-litre petrol tank costs approximately GH¢426.6, with fuel priced at GH¢14.22 per litre. In contrast, charging a standard electric vehicle in Ghana, which requires 28-30 charging units, costs around GH¢172 to travel 250 miles. This cost is significantly lower than that of petrol-powered vehicles, making EVs a more affordable option for both operators and passengers.
Additionally, EVs are expected to offer lower maintenance costs due to their fewer moving parts compared to traditional internal combustion engines. This factor further contributes to the overall cost reduction in public transportation.
Beyond the EV initiative, Dr. Bawumia also announced several measures aimed at further reducing transportation costs. Among them is the expansion of the Gold-for-Oil (G4O) Programme, intended to stabilize fuel prices, and the introduction of a “Flat Rate Duties for all importers” policy. This policy is designed to stabilize the cost of imported spare parts, reducing maintenance costs for public vehicles, and ultimately leading to lower fares for passengers.
Dr. Bawumia’s proposals mark a significant step toward achieving more affordable and sustainable public transportation in Ghana, aligning with global trends in green energy and economic efficiency. As the 2024 election approaches, these initiatives will likely be closely scrutinized as part of his broader campaign platform.
