The maiden edition of this year’s Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting is set to take place tomorrow, bringing together policymakers, regulators, transport operators, financial institutions, urban planners and development partners to address the growing challenges in Ghana’s urban transport sector.
The event, scheduled for the Labadi Beach Hotel, will be held under the theme: “Why resetting Ghana’s urban transport system is an economic necessity.”
Distinguished panel of experts
Discussions will be led by a panel of eminent personalities including Prof. Enoch F. Sam, Associate Professor of Transport Geography at the University of Education, Winneba; Isaac Simpson, Head of Financial Advisory and Equity Capital Markets at Stanbic Bank Ghana; and Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The meeting will examine how a comprehensive overhaul of the transport system through structured bus rapid transit initiatives, improved regulation of commercial transport operators, digital ticketing solutions, enhanced infrastructure development and increased private sector participation could unlock significant economic value.
Participants are also expected to explore sustainable financing models and the critical role financial institutions can play in supporting fleet renewal programmes and infrastructure development.
Economic toll of urban transport challenges
Urban transport remains a persistent challenge in Ghana’s rapidly expanding cities, particularly Accra and Kumasi, where chronic congestion, unreliable public transport services and weak enforcement of traffic regulations continue to exact a heavy economic toll.
Industry estimates suggest that countless hours lost to traffic gridlock, escalating vehicle operating costs and inefficiencies in mass transit systems collectively cost the economy millions of cedis in lost productivity each year.
Additional challenges include the scarcity of public transport options during peak hours and persistently high fares despite recent consistent declines in fuel prices.
Expert profile
Prof. Enoch F. Sam brings over 11 years of research experience in traffic safety, public transport safety management, traffic behaviour of vulnerable road users, traffic enforcement and sustainable urban mobility planning. His work utilises mixed-methods approaches with a quantitative focus, and he continues to deliver high-impact projects and consultancy services in sustainable urban mobility and traffic safety.
He is a recipient of multiple donor-funded grants and has been ranked among the top 1,000 research scientists in Ghana by the Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index.
The event will feature presentations from industry experts and thought leaders, followed by a moderated discussion designed to facilitate the sharing of perspectives and the development of practical, actionable solutions.
The proceedings will be streamed live on the Facebook and other social media platforms of Graphic Communications Group and Stanbic Bank Ghana.
