Ghana is exploring a potential partnership with China’s CRRC Corporation Limited to develop an Autonomous Rapid Transit system, as mounting congestion in Accra and other urban centers increases pressure on the government to modernize the country’s public transportation network.
Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey said she led a delegation from Metro Mass Transit Limited to Zhuzhou, China, for talks with CRRC on strategic collaboration aimed at transforming intra-city transportation.
The discussions focused on the study and potential deployment of an Autonomous Rapid Transit, or ART, system designed to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and provide faster and safer public transportation services.
The initiative forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader transport modernization agenda, She said, which seeks to expand infrastructure investment and introduce technology-driven transport solutions.
Ghana’s urban transport system has long struggled with congestion, limited mass transit capacity and heavy dependence on informal transport operators known locally as trotros, with traffic delays in Accra imposing rising productivity and fuel costs on businesses and commuters.
CRRC, one of the world’s largest rail and transit equipment manufacturers, has expanded across Africa through railway and urban mobility projects backed by Chinese financing and infrastructure partnerships.
While the proposed ART system could represent a significant step toward modernizing Ghana’s transport sector, questions remain over financing, operational sustainability and infrastructure readiness.
Previous attempts to modernize urban transportation, including bus rapid transit and rail redevelopment initiatives, have faced delays linked to funding constraints, implementation challenges and maintenance concerns.
The success of any advanced transit system will depend heavily on the quality of supporting infrastructure, including road networks, traffic management systems, stable electricity supply and good management, a big problem within Ghana’s public space.
Concerns also remain about whether autonomous transit systems can operate efficiently within Accra’s highly congested and largely informal traffic environment, where weak lane discipline and inconsistent road infrastructure present operational challenges.
Affordability could also emerge as a critical issue if fares are priced beyond the reach of daily commuters who rely on low-cost public transportation options.
Despite the challenges, government says modernizing urban transportation remains essential to improving mobility, reducing congestion-related economic losses and supporting long-term urban development.
The Transport Ministry said it will continue engaging stakeholders and development partners to explore sustainable transport solutions capable of improving accessibility and supporting national economic growth.
