On Wednesday, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia officially launched “Go Ride,” a much-anticipated digital ride-hailing platform tailored specifically for Ghana’s local taxi drivers.
The Go Ride app, developed in partnership with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), offers local taxi drivers the ability to connect with customers online, providing a local alternative to popular international ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Yango. Created through a public-private collaboration led by the government, the platform reflects Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to integrating digital solutions into Ghana’s economy.
At the launch in Accra, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the app’s competitive 10 percent commission rate, which is considerably lower than that of foreign-based services, enabling drivers to retain a larger share of their earnings.
The initiative also includes a welfare program, offering drivers access to insurance and pension schemes, further supporting sustainable income and financial security. According to Dr. Bawumia, Go Ride represents “empowerment, innovation, and local pride,” marking a commitment to a more inclusive and equitable transport system that bridges the gap between formal and informal sectors.
He credited Ghana’s robust digital infrastructure—including the Ghana Card, QR Code, Digital Address System, and Ghana.Gov—as foundational to this growth, emphasizing the potential of digital solutions to drive economic development and create wealth.
Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism about expanding the Go Ride platform across Africa, positioning Ghana as a leader in digital innovation within the continent and tapping into global opportunities.
Deputy Transport Minister Mr. Hassan Tampuli, who also spoke at the event, described the app as transformative for Ghana’s economy, contributing to financial stability for taxi drivers. He further encouraged stakeholders in the transport sector to support the initiative, countering recent calls for fare hikes by noting that Ghana’s fuel prices are among the lowest in the region.
