Residents of Ashaiman are experiencing transportation difficulties during the Christmas season, as a shortage of commercial vehicles continues to affect movement within the municipality.
Some commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada, say demand for their services typically peaks closer to December 31 rather than in the early part of the month. An okada rider at Ashaiman Lebanon, Mr Francis Ayambila, said the end-of-year period remains profitable for riders despite fluctuations in daily demand.
According to him, December 31 is usually the busiest day, as many people travel to attend social gatherings and church programmes.
Taxi drivers, however, described a more challenging operating environment. A driver who identified himself as “Arrow Bwoy” said business had been slow, attributing the situation to rising fuel prices and poor road conditions in parts of Ashaiman.
He explained that many drivers had resorted to operating mainly on a “dropping” basis to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear, a move that has left passengers who cannot afford private fares stranded and forced to queue for trotros.
A commercial vehicle conductor, Mr Godwin Fiema, who plies the Ashaiman–Ada route, said low passenger turnout during certain hours of the day has also affected earnings. He noted that although vehicles are usually available between 8:00am and 11:00am, there are often few commuters during that period.
For commuters, the situation has been frustrating. Peter Tege, a resident travelling to Oyibi, said the shortage of vehicles was unusually severe, noting that he waited in long queues for hours while overcrowded vehicles passed without stopping.
However, not all drivers reported poor business. Mr Emmanuel Adunya, who operates on the Ashaiman–Swedru and Ashaiman–Madina routes, said demand for transport services has been strong since the beginning of December. He noted that while he made an average of GH¢3,000 in weekly sales last year, he has surpassed that figure this year.
Some residents believe the situation reflects a shift in transport patterns during the festive season, as many Ashaiman-based drivers have moved to long-distance routes such as Accra–Ho to take advantage of higher fares, leaving local commuters struggling to find transport.
Source: GNA
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