Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has officially launched Ghana’s first fleet of electric buses, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public transportation sector.
The event, held in Accra on Wednesday, introduced the country’s first environmentally friendly electric buses, which operate on electric charging systems rather than traditional fuel. These buses are expected to lower transportation costs and offer a more sustainable solution for urban mobility.
Dr. Bawumia described the launch as a historic moment for Ghana, symbolizing a “mindset of possibility.” He emphasized that the introduction of these buses aligns with global trends toward sustainability and innovation in public transportation.
“We are making history today with the commissioning of these electric buses, which represents a paradigm shift in how we approach public transport,” Dr. Bawumia said. “This is a crucial step towards transforming the transport sector, with sustainability and innovation at the heart of the change.”
The Vice President also discussed the environmental advantages of electric buses, highlighting the growing urgency of addressing climate change and pollution caused by fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
“We can no longer ignore the dangers posed by fossil fuels, as they contribute to climate change and air pollution. This initiative represents the proactive action Ghana is taking to combat these challenges,” he added.
From an economic perspective, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the financial benefits that the electric buses will bring to both operators and passengers. With operational costs expected to be 50% lower than diesel-powered buses, the electric buses will make public transport more affordable and efficient.
“The electric buses will significantly reduce operational and maintenance costs compared to diesel buses, allowing Metro Mass to reinvest in fleet expansion and improve the overall quality of service,” he explained.
The first phase of the electric bus deployment will focus on the Adenta–Accra and Ashaiman–Accra routes, with plans to expand the program next year to cover other parts of the country.
Dr. Bawumia addressed skepticism surrounding the project, stating, “Some said this was an impossible promise, but we are proving them wrong. If other countries can deploy electric buses, there’s no reason why Ghana cannot do the same.”
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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