Bus shortages and overcrowded terminals in Ghana are disrupting voter travel and business activities ahead of the December 7 elections.
As Ghana heads to the polls on Saturday, December 7, bus shortages and overcrowded terminals are causing significant disruptions for both prospective voters and business owners across the country. Citizens have flocked to bus stations, hoping to travel and cast their votes in their respective constituencies, resulting in overcrowding and long waits at major terminals.
The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, commonly known as “Circle,” witnessed chaotic scenes as travelers jostled and elbowed one another to secure seats on buses. Many passengers, desperate to vote, were stranded as they struggled to find transportation.
Business owners who rely on transport services have also been affected, as there are limited buses to transport goods and services. According to bus terminal officials, hundreds of private buses have been hired by political parties to ferry voters, leaving a reduced fleet for regular operations. This has left thousands of passengers frustrated and fuming at the terminals.
Some travelers reported that they had booked tickets well in advance but were informed at the last minute by operators that buses were unavailable. The shortage of buses has also impacted transport operators, who expressed concerns about lost revenue during such a critical economic period.
Frustrated travelers have called on the government to run special buses or increase transportation options during election periods to accommodate the surge in demand, despite the recent introduction of electric buses (EV buses).
Many passengers are determined to wait for buses, eager to vote in the election. One voter said, “I will wait until the buses arrive because I need a change of government in this hard economy.” Another remarked, “I am going to vote because my family provider is in power, and I need to vote to maintain him.”
Others, however, are traveling for personal reasons, such as visiting family for the Christmas holidays.
The combination of election travel and the holiday season has created rush-hour conditions at bus terminals nationwide, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to operate efficiently.
