Former Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Albert Adu Boahen, has clarified issues surrounding the delivery and clearance of buses and spare parts supplied by the Dutch vehicle manufacturer VDL, stating emphatically that the majority of the consignment was duly cleared from the port before he officially handed over office to his successor in March 2025.
According to Mr. Adu Boahen, a total of 30 VDL buses and three 40-foot containers of spare parts, out of an initial four containers supplied by VDL, arrived in Ghana in April 2024 and were successfully cleared during his tenure as Managing Director. He explained that these clearances were completed in line with established procedures and well before the transition in management, contrary to suggestions circulating in the public domain that the consignment remained uncleared at the time of his exit.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Adu Boahen said it was important to set the record straight to protect institutional integrity and to ensure that accurate information is available to the public, particularly given the strategic role of Metro Mass Transit in Ghana’s public transportation system. He noted that misinformation surrounding logistics, procurement, and asset management within state-owned enterprises can undermine public confidence and unfairly tarnish the reputations of individuals who have served in leadership roles.
Mr. Adu Boahen explained that the procurement of the VDL buses formed part of broader efforts to modernise and expand MMTL’s fleet to improve public transport services nationwide. The acquisition, he said, was aimed at enhancing reliability, safety, and efficiency in mass transit operations, particularly in urban centres where demand for affordable transportation continues to rise.
According to him, when the buses and spare parts arrived at the port in April 2024, management immediately initiated the necessary processes for customs clearance, documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements. He stressed that clearing such consignments involves multiple stakeholders, including port authorities, customs officials, regulatory agencies, and the logistics teams of the company.
Mr. Adu Boahen noted that despite the complexity of the process, MMTL was able to successfully clear all 30 buses as well as three of the four 40-foot containers of spare parts within the period of his administration. He added that the cleared buses were subsequently prepared for deployment in accordance with the company’s operational plans.
He further explained that spare parts are a critical component of fleet sustainability, as they ensure regular maintenance and reduce vehicle downtime. The inclusion of multiple containers of spare parts in the VDL shipment, he said, was a deliberate strategy to support the long-term operational efficiency of the buses and minimise reliance on emergency procurement.
Addressing the remaining container of spare parts, Mr. Adu Boahen clarified that its status was known to management at the time and was being handled through established processes. He maintained that its clearance was not due to negligence or oversight but was subject to procedural and administrative considerations that extended beyond his tenure.
Mr. Adu Boahen emphasised that all actions taken regarding the VDL consignment were properly documented and communicated to relevant authorities and incoming management. He stated that as part of the standard handover process, detailed briefings and records were provided to ensure continuity and transparency in the company’s operations.
The former Managing Director also highlighted the broader challenges faced by public transport operators, including fluctuating fuel prices, maintenance costs, and the need for continuous fleet renewal. He said these challenges underscore the importance of prudent asset management and timely clearance of procured equipment to maximise value for money.
Mr. Adu Boahen expressed concern that narratives suggesting otherwise could distract from the substantive issues facing public transport in Ghana and shift attention away from the need for sustained investment and policy support. He stressed that leadership transitions should not become occasions for unfounded claims but opportunities for institutional strengthening.
He reiterated his commitment to accountability and transparency, stating that he remains available to clarify any outstanding questions regarding his tenure at MMTL. According to him, public office carries an obligation to provide clear explanations, especially when public resources are involved.
In concluding his remarks, Mr. Adu Boahen reaffirmed that the 30 VDL buses and three containers of spare parts that arrived in April 2024 were cleared before his departure in March 2025, and that the processes followed were consistent with MMTL’s operational standards.
He urged stakeholders, including policymakers, transport unions, and the general public, to focus on how such assets can be effectively deployed to improve public transportation services across the country. According to him, ensuring efficient utilisation of these buses is ultimately more important than speculative debates about their clearance status.
Mr. Adu Boahen expressed confidence that with continuity in management and commitment to service delivery, Metro Mass Transit Limited can continue to play a vital role in providing safe, affordable, and reliable transportation for Ghanaians.
