-Seek To Empower Local Drivers And Boost Digital Economy
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially launched ‘GoRide,’ a new Ghanaian-developed ride-hailing app, as part of efforts towards supporting local drivers and digitizing Ghana’s transportation sector.
The launch event in Accra showcased GoRide as an integral step towards a more inclusive digital economy and demonstrated the government’s commitment to modernizing services that directly benefit local drivers.
“We must support our local drivers and ensure they are not left behind as our economy digitalizes and modernizes,” said Dr. Bawumia during the event. He emphasized that GoRide is more than a digital service; it symbolises Ghana’s commitment to creating equitable growth opportunities, especially for drivers in the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
Designed through a public-private partnership, GoRide tackles the high commission fees often associated with international ride-hailing platforms, offering local drivers a competitive 10 percent commission rate. This structure allows drivers to retain more earnings, enhancing financial stability and providing a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
“This initiative restores dignity to our drivers and ensures they can earn and thrive,” Dr. Bawumia noted, underscoring the government’s push for private-sector-led economic growth.
GoRide is part of Ghana’s digital transformation efforts, building on past initiatives like the Ghana Card, digital address system, mobile money interoperability, and the Ghana.gov platform.
According to Dr. Bawumia, “The private sector has been central to all these achievements, and we expect the same with GoRide.” The app is integrated with ‘Tap n Go,’ a local payment solution, ensuring seamless digital transactions for both drivers and passengers and advancing Ghana’s fintech ecosystem.
Beyond direct driver benefits, GoRide is expected to generate employment opportunities in related sectors such as vehicle maintenance, banking, insurance, and customer support.
The platform aims to promote financial inclusion by enabling drivers to access formal financial services, including loans and insurance, shifting them from cash-based systems to secure digital platforms.
“This shift promotes financial security and enables our drivers to build wealth and secure their futures,” he noted.
