Development economist Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa has warned that Ghana is losing billions of cedis every year due to traffic congestion and poor public transport systems, calling for urgent long-term reforms instead of temporary fixes.
Speaking on Good Afternoon Ghana on Metro TV on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Dr. Ayerakwa told host Desmond Okraku Danso that recent estimates suggesting Ghana loses about GH¢4.5 billion annually to traffic may even be understated.
“I think the estimate is very conservative,” he said.
“If I look at how much they are allocating to productivity loss, I think for me that is likely even going to be more than what they are estimating.”
According to him, daily struggles with transport – from long waits for vehicles to hours spent in traffic – are draining the country’s productivity.
“People leave home very early, get stuck in traffic… get to work late. After work, it’s another hassle of getting home and the cycle continues every day,” he noted.
Dr. Ayerakwa criticised government’s frequent reliance on short-term measures, such as bringing in extra buses during peak periods, especially in December and January.
“We are mobilising, let’s go for buses here, let’s get people here. And it’s always an ad hoc solution. But no country develops on an ad hoc policy,” he said.
He argued that Ghana needs a clear, long-term transport strategy that goes beyond emergency responses.
“You need a long-term strategy that allows you to put in the systems to work towards. Then everybody knows that this is where we are headed,” he added.
The economist said Ghana’s largely informal public transport system, dominated by trotros, lacks proper regulation and quality control.
“Most of these trotters are not in a condition that the average middle class is willing to hop onto,” he said. “There are no standards. Anybody just jumps from nowhere and puts their vehicle on the road.”
He called for a national standard for public transport vehicles and operators, insisting that only certified vehicles and properly registered operators should be allowed to operate.
“That is not the way to develop. That is not the way to go,” he stressed.
He also proposed introducing organised transport routes, similar to train lines in other countries.
“There should be lines – a blue line, a red line, a green line. You must begin to designate your roads into lines,” he explained.
Dr. Ayerakwa said many of Ghana’s transport challenges could be reduced through simple digital solutions.
“Simple coding, simple digitalisation can help with some of these basic shuttling-related issues. It is not rocket science,” he said.
He believes technology can improve scheduling, tracking, and passenger management if properly implemented.
Another major solution he proposed was expanding remote and flexible work arrangements.
“Why should everybody be heading to the city centre about the same time?” he asked.
“We have been socialised into the 8 to 5 routine. I think we’ve gone past that system.”
He advocated for investment in digital skills and equipment to support remote work.
“As long as you can use a smartphone, training you to do remote work shouldn’t be difficult,” he said.
He explained that organisations must shift from monitoring physical presence to focusing on results.
“It is no longer me checking whether you are seated by a computer. It is about deliverables,” he said.
According to him, remote work would improve workers’ health and family life while saving companies money.
“Companies will save on utilities, bills, and transport. Everybody wins in the long run,” he added.
Dr. Ayerakwa also pointed to private vehicles as a major contributor to traffic congestion and encouraged carpooling.
“A lot of the traffic… are people driving their private vehicles,” he said.
He described organised carpooling as a potential business opportunity.
“I’ve got a car and I am willing to pool people along. I pick you up, we head in the same direction, you pay,” he explained.
He said such systems could reduce stress, cut travel time, and improve punctuality.
The economist urged institutions to rethink traditional ideas about work and productivity.
“We are too rigid when it comes to what work is,” he said. “As long as people show up in the office, we think they are working. But unfortunately, that is not work.”
He noted that productivity should be measured by results, not attendance.
“What are we supposed to achieve, and are we achieving that?” he asked.
He maintained that unless Ghana adopts structural reforms in transport, work culture, and technology use, traffic congestion will continue to drain the economy and frustrate workers.
“This presents opportunities for innovation,” he said. “Others have done it. We should be able to adopt and make it work.”
