Private motorists who enter contra-flow lanes reserved for Aayalolo buses risk arrest as transport authorities move to strengthen enforcement along the designated routes.
The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) says the lanes are reserved exclusively for Aayalolo buses and must not be used by private drivers seeking to bypass traffic congestion.
GAPTE Managing Director Daouda Awudu said the agency was engaging the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to deploy additional officers along the routes and prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the lanes.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Mr Awudu warned that motorists who disregard the restrictions would be arrested in accordance with Ghana’s traffic laws.
“They will be arrested because the rules are there. The laws of Ghana are clear when it comes to things like this,” he said.
Private Drivers Joining Aayalolo Buses
According to Mr Awudu, the unauthorized use of the contra-flow lanes by private motorists was one of the challenges anticipated during the roll out of the traffic-management initiative.
Read Also: Viral Video Triggers Arrests Over Expressway Sand Winning
The system allows designated Aayalolo buses to use specially controlled lanes to avoid heavily congested sections of the road and improve travel times for passengers.
However, some private drivers have reportedly attempted to follow the buses into the restricted lanes after police personnel open the route.
GAPTE says the practice undermines the purpose of the arrangement and could create safety risks for passengers, motorists and other road users.
The agency has therefore reminded drivers that the contra-flow lane is not an additional general traffic lane available to private vehicles.
Police Escort Currently Supports Buses
Mr Awudu explained that police personnel currently escort Aayalolo buses as they use the contra-flow lanes.
The officers are expected to guide the buses safely through the designated sections and discourage private motorists from joining them.
Despite the escort arrangement, GAPTE has acknowledged that some drivers continue to enter the lanes without authorization.
The agency believes a stronger police presence will be required at strategic points to prevent motorists from taking advantage of the temporary opening of the lanes.
Additional officers are expected to monitor entry points, stop unauthorized vehicles and enforce the restrictions against motorists who refuse to comply.
Stronger Enforcement Planned
GAPTE is working with the MTTD to increase enforcement along the routes used for the contra-flow initiative.
The planned deployment is intended to ensure that the lanes remain available only to the Aayalolo buses authorized to use them.
Mr Awudu said motorists found in the restricted lanes would be dealt with under the law.
The warning signals that authorities are moving beyond public education towards stricter enforcement as the system continues to operate.
GAPTE expects the increased police presence to discourage private motorists from treating the contra-flow lane as a shortcut during periods of congestion.
Lane Misuse Could Affect Safety
The agency says unauthorized use of the lane could create serious traffic-management and safety challenges.
Because the buses are operating within a controlled contra-flow arrangement, the entry of private vehicles could interfere with the movement of the buses and increase the risk of confusion on the road.
Private drivers may also fail to follow the directions of the police escort or understand the procedures governing the temporary use of the lane.
GAPTE therefore wants the route to remain controlled and predictable throughout the period in which the buses are using it.
Restricting the lane to Aayalolo buses is also expected to help police officers manage the movement of vehicles more effectively.
Misuse Could Reduce Benefits for Passengers
The contra-flow initiative is intended to improve public transport by helping Aayalolo buses move through congested areas more quickly.
Allowing private vehicles into the lane could reduce the travel-time advantage created for bus passengers.
If too many unauthorized vehicles join the route, the lane could become congested and defeat the purpose of the intervention.
GAPTE believes keeping the lanes free from private vehicles is necessary to make the bus service more reliable and attractive to commuters.
Improved journey times could encourage more people to use public transport rather than relying on private vehicles for daily travel.
Drivers Urged to Obey Restrictions
Private motorists have been advised to remain within the normal traffic lanes and follow instructions from police officers and transport officials.
Drivers should not enter the contra-flow lane simply because they see an Aayalolo bus and its escort using the route.
GAPTE has stressed that only authorized buses may use the lane during the designated period.
The agency says the collaboration with the MTTD will continue as authorities work to improve compliance and protect road users.
Motorists who ignore the restrictions risk being stopped and arrested as enforcement is strengthened.
GAPTE Seeks Orderly Implementation
The warning forms part of efforts to ensure the contra-flow initiative operates according to its intended design.
GAPTE says effective enforcement will be essential to maintaining order and preserving the safety and efficiency of the system.
The agency is therefore appealing to motorists to cooperate with the police and respect the restrictions placed on the route.
Authorities expect the deployment of more officers to reduce unauthorized use and ensure that Aayalolo buses can operate without interference from private vehicles.
GAPTE has reiterated that the contra-flow lanes remain reserved exclusively for Aayalolo buses and that offenders will face action under the law.
