In a landmark event on Wednesday, November 27, a trained Kayayoo (female head porter) turned bus driver took Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on a ride through town as part of the commissioning of Ghana’s first fleet of electric buses.
This occasion also marked the graduation of over 100 Kayayei trained under a special government initiative to equip them with driving skills for operating the eco-friendly buses.
The program is a cornerstone of efforts to empower marginalised groups, improve livelihoods, and modernise Ghana’s transportation sector.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasised the cost-saving benefits for commuters.
“For passengers boarding these buses, fares will see a 40 to 50 percent reduction compared to traditional options,” he announced, reiterating his government’s commitment to affordable and sustainable transportation solutions.
The introduction of electric buses is not only aimed at cutting transport costs but also at reducing Ghana’s carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.
A highlight of the ceremony was a video of the trained Kayayoo confidently driving the electric bus with the vice president on board, a powerful symbol of transformation and empowerment.
The initiative has been widely praised for its potential to uplift women traditionally confined to low-paying, physically demanding roles.
“This program shows the incredible impact of skill development combined with sustainable technology,” Dr. Bawumia noted, urging stakeholders to support similar efforts to drive social and economic progress.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to empower vulnerable groups, aligning with the government’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable society. With the success of this project, similar programs are expected to follow, extending opportunities to other marginalised communities.
The commissioning of the electric buses marks a step forward in Ghana’s pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and social transformation—promising a brighter, greener future for all.