The number of operational STC buses is deemed insufficient to meet growing commuter demands
The Ministry of Transport has raised concerns over the limited capacity of Intercity STC Coaches Limited, revealing that the once-proud national transport company currently has fewer than 60 operational buses.
This revelation comes amid increasing public frustration over worsening traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours, which has significantly extended travel times for Ghanaians nationwide.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe lamented the current state of affairs and called for urgent intervention.
According to him, the number is deemed insufficient to meet growing commuter demands.
“The Ayalolo buses, I’m told, are operational, but unfortunately, they fall under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Metro Mass Transit and Intercity STC are under the Ministry of Transport,” he explained.
“It [STC] has been a worry for us in the Ministry and the government. STC, which all of us used to travel with pride, cannot boast of 60 buses that are effective and can run any distance without trouble on the way,” the Minister added.
Mr. Nikpe assured that the government is working to procure additional buses to augment the fleet and restore the company’s ability to serve the public effectively.
“We have fewer than 60 buses that are fit for purpose. We are working hard to ensure that we bring in more buses to augment what they have; otherwise, what we have now is not able to satisfy Ghanaian travellers.”
Intercity STC has a storied history dating back to 1909, when it was established as the Government Transport Department to serve the logistical needs of the central government.
In 1965, it was restructured into the State Transport Corporation (STC) to operate commercial passenger services and later expanded in 1968 to include a haulage division.
In June 1995, STC became a limited liability company under Ghana’s Companies Act and was rebranded in October 2003 as Intercity STC Coaches Limited.
Despite its legacy as a trusted public transport provider, the company has faced operational challenges in recent years, largely due to aging fleets and inadequate resources.