The Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, has called for the removal of Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, accusing him of poor leadership and ineffective management of the transport sector in Accra and other major cities.
His call comes as transport conditions in the capital continue to worsen, with many commuters stranded during rush hours and others forced to pay unapproved fares.
Mr Agboado said the Minister has failed to meaningfully engage transport unions on the challenges facing the sector, arguing that the lack of consultation and action makes his continued stay in office unacceptable.
“The government must seriously assess the situation so we can find solutions together. But frankly, the Transport Minister should no longer be in office,” he said.
He accused the Minister of non-performance, contrasting his record with what he described as improved leadership in other sectors, including the Gold Board, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana and the National Petroleum Authority, where fuel prices have declined.
“So what is the Transport Minister doing?” he questioned.
Mr Agboado also criticised the Minister’s handling of transport shortages in November and December 2025, when assurances were given that State Transport Company (STC) buses would be deployed to ease commuter pressure.
He further accused the Minister of focusing more on the passage of the Okada Bill, which regulates commercial motorcycle operations, while neglecting broader public transport challenges.
“That is why some of us call him the ‘Okada Minister.’ But can Okada transport people from Accra to Tema?” he asked.
Explaining the root of the current crisis, Mr Agboado pointed to the high cost of spare parts, which has forced many commercial vehicles off the roads.
He estimated that between 45 and 50 per cent of vehicles are no longer operational because drivers cannot afford essential components.
Despite some stability in the cedi, he said prices of critical parts such as engines, axles and steering systems remain high, especially for Sprinter buses commonly used for public transport.
“Our vehicles are old, some registered as far back as 2012. When vehicles are overaged and parts are unaffordable, breakdowns are inevitable,” he said.
He accused the Ministry of Transport and government communicators of failing to adequately represent and address the concerns of transport operators.
Meanwhile, commuters in Accra continue to voice frustration over long waiting times, overcrowded vehicles and rising transport fares, as the city’s public transport crisis deepens.
