The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport has paid a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport and its agencies to perform its legislative oversight and foster collaboration in Ghana’s transport sector.
The visit by the 17-member Committee led by its Chairman,Hon. Isaac Adjei Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Wassa East Constituency in the Western Region, was aimed at getting updates on ongoing projects and foster direct dialogue with agencies under the Ministry’s purview. The Chairman of the committee described the visit as “a strategic and symbolic gesture” and emphasized the importance of direct engagement with sector leadership to enable informed legislative support.
The Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe outlined some reforms including a framework to regularize commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada by lowering the minimum rider age from 25 years to 21 years, which is near completion and will soon be presented to Parliament.
He also mentioned the reviving of Ghana’s national carrier via a public-private partnership, upgrading airport infrastructure, studying coastal routes to ease road congestion, opening a new DVLA branch in Adenta, and upgrading the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry is in the process of procuring new buses for Metro Mass and STC.
The other Members of the visiting Committee were Hon. Chiwitey Dari Andrew, Vice Chairperson and MP for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba; Hon. Osei Nyarko Kennedy, MP for Akim Swedru and the Ranking Member; Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama; Hon. Frimpong Kwame Ohene, MP for Asante Akim North; Hon. Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort, Ada MP; Hon Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi, MP for Achiase; Hon. Mahama Toure Naser, Ayawaso East MP; Hon. Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede, MP for Lawra and Hon. Mubarak Seid, MP for Sunyani East.
The Committee also visited the Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Training Centre to be acquainted with its functions and operations.
