Aayalolo contra-flow: Mahama satisfied with initial successes achieved, to meet stakeholders over permanent rollout — Ayariga

President John Dramani Mahama is satisfied with the initial results of the Aayalolo contra-flow system introduced to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion in Accra, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga has disclosed.

According to Mr Ayariga, the pilot intervention has improved the movement of thousands of commuters during peak hours by allowing Aayalolo buses to operate against the normal direction of traffic on designated routes.

He made the disclosure on Monday, October 5, during the Government Accountability Series, where he highlighted the initiative as part of measures to address urban mobility challenges in the capital.

Mr Ayariga said the results recorded during the trial had prompted President Mahama to bring key stakeholders together to assess the intervention and consider measures to sustain it on a permanent basis.

“One area of challenge in our increasingly congested cities is urban mobility. President John Dramani Mahama recently approved the trial of the contra-flow system that has enabled easy and rapid movement of several thousands of city commuters during peak hours using the Bus Rapid Transport Company, popularly known as Aayalolo buses.

“He is satisfied with the initial successes achieved and has further scheduled a meeting of stakeholders in his office on Thursday, October 7, to review the trials and give appropriate directives on how to sustain the exercise permanently.”

The Aayalolo contra-flow arrangement was introduced on September 29 as part of government efforts to tackle the worsening traffic situation and improve the movement of commuters across Accra during busy periods.

Under the system, Aayalolo buses are allowed to use designated lanes or routes in the opposite direction of the prevailing traffic flow at specified times.

The arrangement is intended to provide commuters with a faster and more dependable public transport option, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours when congestion is most severe.

The intervention forms part of broader efforts to address urban mobility challenges in Accra, where rising traffic volumes have continued to affect travel times, productivity and access to essential services.