Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is set to introduce a new digital platform specifically designed for taxi drivers, especially members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The platform, called the GoRide App, is a locally developed ride-hailing service that offers a driver-friendly commission rate of just 10%, significantly lower than existing ride-hailing platforms that charge higher fees.
This reduced rate is intended to boost the earnings of taxi drivers, improve their financial security, and ensure the sustainability of their operations.
Additionally, 1% of the drivers’ earnings will be set aside for pension contributions, providing long-term financial stability and securing their futures.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to harness digitalisation in addressing the economic challenges facing Ghana’s transport sector.
The GPRTU had earlier approached the government with concerns that taxi drivers, a vital component of Ghana’s transport system, were losing business and market share to other ride-hailing apps.
Dr. Bawumia responded by partnering with the private sector to develop the GoRide app.
The launch of GoRide underscores Dr. Bawumia’s belief that ‘it is possible’ to create local solutions for local challenges,
stated a government spokesperson.
By collaborating closely with GPRTU drivers and other stakeholders, we’ve built a system that not only enhances their earnings but also supports the growth of our digital economy.
Beyond improving driver income, the GoRide App offers broader socio-economic benefits.
The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has endorsed the app for its potential to improve road safety by enabling real-time monitoring of driver behavior and vehicle performance.
Moreover, the platform is expected to modernize the transport sector by keeping profits within the country and creating sustainable jobs for taxi drivers, contributing to Ghana’s overall economic development.
Following extensive consultations with drivers and unions like the GPRTU, the 10% commission rate was agreed upon to positively impact drivers’ financial well-being. GoRide is more than a ride-hailing app; it is a tool for economic empowerment, ensuring drivers earn more while also contributing to their pension plans for long-term financial security.
The launch of GoRide marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the government’s commitment to leveraging digitalisation for economic transformation.
Through this initiative, the government aims to position taxi drivers at the forefront of Ghana’s expanding digital economy, while providing commuters with a safe, reliable, and affordable transportation option.
