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Opinion Piece: Why Converting BRT Buses to School Transportation not such a Bad Idea

A few weeks ago, I was at the State Transport Corporation(STC) Achimota Station Branch to pick a bus to Wa. Whilst waiting for my bus which was taking forever to arrive, I couldn’t help but notice some of the buses from the BRT Bus services popularly known as “Aayalolo” standing idle and wasting away. Now […]

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BRT Buses at achimota station
BRT Buses at achimota station

A few weeks ago, I was at the State Transport Corporation(STC) Achimota Station Branch to pick a bus to Wa. Whilst waiting for my bus which was taking forever to arrive, I couldn’t help but notice some of the buses from the BRT Bus services popularly known as “Aayalolo” standing idle and wasting away.

Now if you guys remember, in 2016, former President Mahama and his government secured a total of 245 buses from the Scannia Group of Sweden to operate a bus rapid transport (BRT) system. According to reports by Joy News, the cost of the buses together with the development of the infrastructure, cost Ghana $151 million, $7 million was a grant from the Global Environmental Fund and the rest of the money are loans which are to be paid with interest.

From the news I have gathered, a total of 150 of the said buses are the ones I saw wasting away inside the Achimota New Nation: the reason been that operators of the buses can no longer bear the cost of fuel. Yes, they cannot bare the cost of fuel!

I have also read that operators of the buses have been bailed out on numerous occasions to no avail. Meaning, there’s no way this particular government is going to pay any attention to reviving them. Which also translates into the fact that these buses are going to stand there forever and rot.


As for the loans, we will pay, we have no choice. Whether the buses start running again or not, the loans will be paid. In that regard, I was thinking, why don’t we focus on other avenues to pay off the loans and use the buses for something equally important like school transportation? Instead of allowing these buses to rot, why don’t we distribute them to some public or even private schools in the country to aid them as school transport? 1 cedi per ride for a kid won’t be so bad isn’t it?

You and I can testify as to how dangerous it is to see these school children in the city endanger their lives on the road every day trying to board public vehicles every morning to school. But having one bus that makes stops to pick these kids up at a particular spot won’t be such a bad idea.
These 245 buses may not solve all our problems of school transportation but at least they can be put into use and serve a good purpose other than wasting away.

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“COVID-19” inspired my “Aseda”single – Michael K. Okyere recounts

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Versatile musician Michael K. Okyere has recently released a single titled “Aseda,” which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article explores the meaning behind the song and how Okyere found inspiration during this challenging time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably affected people’s lives across the globe. From the devastating loss of lives to the economic downturn, it has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. However, amid the chaos and uncertainty, many individuals have found solace and inspiration in unlikely places.

One such person is Michael K. Okyere, a talented and versatile musician known for his ability to captivate audiences with his unique fusion of various music genres. When the pandemic struck, Okyere found himself reflecting on the prevailing circumstances and sought a way to channel his emotions into his art.

The result was the creation of his latest single, “Aseda,” which means “thanks” in the Akan language spoken in Ghana, Okyere’s home country. The song serves as a tribute to the resilience and gratitude of individuals during these challenging times.

Okyere shares that “Aseda” was born out of his desire to express his deep appreciation for life and the strength of the human spirit. He witnessed people coming together, supporting each other, and finding joy in the simplest of things despite the hardships they faced. The song aims to inspire listeners to focus on gratitude and appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.

The upbeat and catchy melody of “Aseda” mirrors the message of hope and positivity that Okyere intends to convey. By merging traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary sounds, he manages to create a musical fusion that resonates with a wide audience. The song’s infectious energy invites listeners to immerse themselves in the celebration of life and their ability to overcome adversity.

While the pandemic has presented numerous challenges for musicians and artists, Okyere has channeled his creativity into creating meaningful and inspiring content. He believes that music has the power to uplift souls and connect people, even in the toughest of times.

Through “Aseda,” Michael K. Okyere hopes to remind listeners that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is still much to be grateful for. The song serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of gratitude in finding solace and joy even in challenging circumstances.

As an artiste, his ability to find inspiration in difficult times demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his commitment to spreading positivity through music. “Aseda” is a testament to his versatility and talent, showcasing his ability to merge different musical styles to create a vibrant and captivating masterpiece.

Enjoy the song below

https://youtu.be/vInPF-NKMic?si=mFS0mfw8CAX0YEtd

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Pizza Inn the Bridge at Adjiriganor is giving free Pizza Pies this Christmas season

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Ghanaian Pizza brand, Pizza Inn has opened a new branch in East-Legon and has FREE pizza pies and more to share this christmas season. (more…)

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Watch: Stonebwoy gives update on legal action against Kelvynboy

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Dancehall act, Stonebwoy has hinted that his legal team is taking serious action against his former signee Kelvynboy for comments he made after he was attacked in Ashiaman recently. (more…)

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Watch: Michael Blackson hosts AY Poyoyo on IG live: Snoop Dogg reacts

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Internet sensation and “King of Gh Rap”, AY Poyoyo has caught the international audience with his unique style of music. (more…)

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Justin Bieber denies sexual assault allegations, plans to take legal action

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Canadian singer, Justin Bieber has reacted to the sexual assault allegation made against him by a Twitter user identified simply as “Danielle” with evidence. (more…)

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Arnold Asamoah Baidoo goes hard at eShun, labels her untrustworthy and a liar

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Showbiz pundit, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo has articulated his disappointment at eShun’s actions as a professional artist over the years.

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