The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has revealed that the government is considering a bold new approach to addressing Accra’s persistent transportation woes: replacing the Aayalolo bus contra-flow system with a modern light rail network.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ayariga explained that President John Dramani Mahama has tasked him to begin discussions on the feasibility of introducing light rail services along four of the city’s busiest commuter corridors. These routes currently benefit from the Aayalolo contra-flow arrangement, which allows designated buses to travel against the normal direction of traffic to cut down on congestion and shorten commute times.
“Contra-flow is good, but look at light rail as your more permanent solution going into the future,” Ayariga quoted the President as saying. In response, the minister has begun engaging the Railway Authority and other stakeholders to explore how the ambitious light rail plan could take shape.
The Aayalolo contra-flow system, introduced to improve public transport efficiency during peak traffic hours, has undoubtedly brought relief to many Accra commuters. By allowing buses to use select lanes in the opposite direction of regular traffic, the system has helped reduce delays and make public transportation more reliable for thousands traveling between residential neighborhoods and the city’s main commercial and employment hubs.
Yet, Ayariga acknowledged that the current set-up has its limitations. The success of contra-flow depends on road infrastructure, traffic management, and the availability of enough buses and trained personnel. A light rail network, he suggested, would offer a more sustainable, high-capacity alternative that could keep pace with Accra’s growth and the ever-increasing demand for efficient urban transport.
As the government weighs its options, discussions are set to intensify in the coming months, with stakeholders and the public watching closely to see if Accra’s transit system will soon be riding the rails into the future.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com