Ghana is exploring a new urban transport solution developed by China’s CRRC Corporation Limited as authorities seek innovative ways to ease worsening traffic congestion in the capital, Accra.
The proposal, still in its early discussion phase, was reviewed during a working visit to China by Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey alongside officials from state transport operator Metro Mass Transit Limited.
At the centre of the plan is an Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system, a hybrid mass-transit model that resembles a light rail network but operates without traditional steel tracks.
Instead, the system runs on electric-powered vehicles guided by sensors along dedicated road lanes, allowing it to mimic rail-like operations while using existing road infrastructure.
Supporters of the technology argue that it offers a lower-cost and faster-to-deploy alternative to conventional rail systems, which often require years of construction and heavy capital investment.
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The discussions come at a time when Accra is facing increasing transport pressure driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising private vehicle use.
The city’s public transport system is heavily reliant on informal operators, particularly “trotro” minibuses, as well as taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt and Yango.
This reliance has contributed to chronic congestion on major routes, especially the Accra-Tema corridor, where traffic delays have become a daily challenge for commuters and businesses.
Economists say the cost of congestion is significant, affecting productivity, increasing fuel consumption and raising transport expenses for households and firms.
To address these challenges, the government has already begun expanding the public transport fleet through a programme to procure 300 buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited. The first batch of 100 buses arrived in April.
Authorities are also investing in rail infrastructure, including ongoing efforts to develop the Tema-Mpakadan railway line as part of a broader multimodal transport strategy.
However, officials say these measures alone may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand for urban mobility, prompting interest in alternative technologies such as the ART system.
The proposed trackless transit system is designed to operate in high-density urban corridors and could potentially be integrated with existing road networks without requiring extensive land acquisition.
Despite its promise, the project remains at a feasibility and consultation stage, with no implementation timeline announced.
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Key challenges include financing, infrastructure adaptation, integration with existing transport systems and potential resistance from informal transport operators who dominate Accra’s mobility market.
Transport analysts note that while ART systems have been deployed in a few cities globally, their success depends heavily on urban planning discipline, dedicated lanes and strong operational management.
For Ghana, the proposal reflects a broader search for scalable, cost-effective solutions to urban transport challenges as cities across Africa grapple with congestion, infrastructure deficits and rising mobility demand.
Officials say further studies will determine whether the system can be adapted effectively to Accra’s road conditions and long-term transport needs.
