By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Motorists navigating Accra’s busy streets will soon see clear road markings for Aayalolo contraflow lanes, following a presidential directive aimed at easing the capital’s peak-hour traffic congestion.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, said President John Dramani Mahama had tasked the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, with immediately demarcating the transit corridors.
According to Mr Ayariga, while the Ministry of Local Government plays a key coordinating role in urban management, the technical implementation of the road markings falls under the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
The road markings are expected to improve safety and traffic management by clearly identifying lanes reserved for Aayalolo buses during peak hours. Authorities aim to reduce confusion among motorists, prevent unauthorised use of the lanes and minimise the risk of head-on collisions.
The markings are expected to be incorporated into ongoing road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects across the metropolis.
The directive forms part of a broader government strategy to modernise public transport and ease traffic congestion.
With the contraflow system operating, Aayalolo is scaling up its operations to achieve a target of 16,000 daily passenger trips by the Christmas season.
Mr Ayariga said the contraflow bus lanes were expected to provide some relief to commuters but described the initiative as an interim measure.
He added that President Mahama had also directed that feasibility studies be conducted for a modern light rail transit network covering four major corridors in Accra, as part of longer-term plans to transform urban mobility in the capital.
