The government is exploring plans to introduce a light rail network along four major routes in Accra as part of efforts to find a more permanent solution to the capital’s growing traffic congestion.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, said President John Dramani Mahama had directed him to begin discussions with the relevant authorities on the proposed project.

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Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ayariga said the President believed that although the Aayalolo bus contra-flow system had helped commuters, the country needed to consider a more permanent mass transportation option.

“The President believes that while the Aayalolo contra-flow system has helped commuters, we must begin to consider a more permanent transport solution for the future,” he said.

The Aayalolo contra-flow system was introduced to improve public transport on some of Accra’s busiest roads by allowing designated buses to use selected lanes in the opposite direction of normal traffic.

Ayariga explained that the President’s directive required him to engage the Railway Authority and examine the possibility of introducing light rail services along four major routes that carry large numbers of commuters into and out of Accra.

“We are commencing discussions with the Railway Authority to examine how light rail can be introduced along these important transport corridors,” he stated.

He said the proposed rail network was expected to provide a more sustainable means of transporting commuters and reduce pressure on the road network, particularly during peak traffic periods.

“The contra-flow arrangement has made commuting easier on some routes, but we need to look beyond the current system and invest in more sustainable mass transportation,” he added.

The proposed light rail initiative signals the government’s consideration of rail-based mass transportation as an alternative to road transport, amid Accra’s growing population and increasing demand for public transport.

If implemented, the system could provide commuters with another option for travelling across the capital while helping to ease congestion on some of the city's busiest roads.

However, discussions with the Railway Authority are expected to establish the feasibility of the proposed routes and the requirements for introducing the system.

ANAS/MA

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