About a decade ago, hailing a ride in Ghana meant standing by the street to get a taxi. Today, Ghana’s transportation landscape, especially in cities like Accra and Kumasi has changed dramatically. With the widespread adoption of ride-hailing services such as Bolt, Yango, and Uber, commuters are increasingly opting for convenience and safety.
You can now easily order a ride with your phone, right from your location, and wait for the driver to arrive at your doorstep. As cities continue to grow and become more digitally connected, ride-hailing platforms have stepped in to bridge critical gaps in urban transportation. But what exactly has driven this rise, and what does it mean for the future of commuting in Ghana?
A Disruption of Traditional Transport?
The rise of ride-hailing services in Ghana can largely be attributed to the increase in smartphones and technology, improved internet accessibility, and globalisation. According to data from the National Communications Authority, mobile internet subscriptions in Ghana have grown consistently year after year, reaching over 22 million users by 2023. This digital surge has paved the way for more app-based services to thrive, and ride-hailing is one of the most visible beneficiaries.
Uber entered the Ghanaian market in 2016, beginning in Accra. Bolt followed shortly after, then Yango. These platforms have redefined how many Ghanaians view personal transport. More ride-hailing platforms are expected to follow. The days of bargaining fares with taxi drivers or hoping for a trotro headed in the right direction are being replaced with a seamless, user-friendly experience, especially for Gen Zs who grew up in a more technologically advanced era.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
One of the most significant contributions of the ride-hailing boom is the employment it provides. Thousands of Ghanaians now earn a living as full-time or part-time drivers on these platforms. For many, especially in a country grappling with youth unemployment, the opportunity to earn income through ride-hailing has been a game changer. Some employed 9-to-5 workers drive Uber on weekends or during hours outside of their office schedules.
These platforms also offer flexibility. Drivers can choose their hours, set daily targets, and use vehicles they don’t even own thanks to partnerships with car owners who also benefit from the arrangement, making it a win-win situation. Additionally, the influx of ride-hailing has sparked growth in other car-related businesses such as car leasing. It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing. Concerns around driver welfare, high commission rates, and some passenger behaviours have caused friction. Many drivers have also raised issues over fare structures, especially due to some bonuses given to passengers.
Challenges Facing the Sector
Despite its popularity, the ride-hailing sector in Ghana is not without its hurdles. Regulatory uncertainty remains a major challenge. While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Transport have initiated conversations about formalizing operations, there is still a lack of clear regulation specifically tailored to ride-hailing services.
This has created room for grey areas. For instance, disputes over taxation, licensing, and operational jurisdiction between platforms and local authorities have occasionally flared up. Some traditional taxi drivers have also complained about unfair competition and the loss of livelihoods.
Another challenge is safety. Although ride-hailing services provide features like GPS tracking, in-app emergency buttons, and driver verification, incidents of harassment and robbery have still occurred. Continuous improvement in background checks and integration with law enforcement agencies is critical to building trust and ensuring rider safety.
Adapting to Local Needs
One of the reasons ride-hailing has taken off in Ghana is because these platforms have shown a willingness to localise their services. Bolt, for instance, offers Bolt Lite in some areas, featuring lower-priced rides with smaller vehicles. Yango often rolls out promo codes and discounts that attract student riders and low-income earners. Partnerships with fintech companies like MTN Mobile Money and Vodafone Cash have allowed riders to pay without cash, an option that’s increasingly popular in a post-COVID world.
Many platforms are also exploring options for carpooling or shuttle services to ease traffic congestion and provide cheaper transport. With cities like Accra experiencing significant daily traffic gridlock, shared rides could be a key solution moving forward.
What Does the Future Hold?
Ride-hailing services are here to stay in Ghana, but their future depends on several factors. Regulation must evolve to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting users. Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions will also continue to impact the economics of operating these services.
There is also growing interest in logistics and delivery services, with many drivers now switching between transporting people and packages, just like Bolt Food and Yango Deliveries, creating a diversification trend that began during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The ride-hailing service in Ghana is much more than a convenience; it’s a symbol of how technology can transform urban living when adopted thoughtfully. These platforms have empowered drivers, simplified commuting, and introduced a level of professionalism that was previously lacking in the informal transport space.
As Ghana continues its digital journey, ride-hailing services are expected to become even more embedded in everyday life. Whether through improved regulations, expanded services, or new innovations, moving around the country will never be the same again.
