Ashaiman residents face transport difficulties during Christmas Season

Residents of Ashaiman are experiencing transportation challenges during the Christmas season, as shortages of commercial vehicles disrupt movement within the municipality.

Some commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada, said demand for their services typically peaks toward the end of December, particularly on December 31, rather than in the early part of the month.

An okada rider at Ashaiman Lebanon, Francis Ayambila, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that despite fluctuations in daily demand, the end-of-year period remains profitable for riders.

“December 31 is always very busy because many people are travelling to social events and church programmes,” he said.

Meanwhile, some taxi drivers described current operating conditions as difficult. A taxi driver who identified himself as “Arrow Bwoy” said business has slowed due to rising fuel prices and poor road conditions in parts of Ashaiman.

He explained that many taxi drivers have shifted to private hiring services only, locally referred to as “dropping,” in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise damage to their vehicles. This, he noted, has left passengers who cannot afford private fares waiting longer for trotros.

A commercial vehicle conductor on the Ashaiman–Ada route, Godwin Fiema, said low passenger turnout during certain periods of the day has also affected earnings.

“Between 8:00am and 11:00am, vehicles are available, but there are usually few passengers, so income is reduced,” he said.

Commuters, on the other hand, described the situation as frustrating. Peter Tege, a resident travelling to Oyibi, said the shortage of vehicles was unusually severe.

“I waited in long queues for hours, only to see overloaded vehicles pass without stopping,” he lamented.

However, some drivers reported improved business this year. 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 during the same period last year, he has already exceeded that figure this year.

Some residents attributed the transport difficulties to a shift in travel patterns during the festive season, noting that many drivers who usually operate within Ashaiman have moved to long-distance routes such as Accra–Ho to take advantage of higher fares, leaving local commuters struggling to find transport.