The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the GoRide App in a move set to reshape Ghana’s digital and transport landscape. The locally developed app by the Transport for Ghana Consortium (TFG), GoRide, was launched at a ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. It aims to empower Ghanaian drivers create employment and retain economic gains within the country. The app is positioned as a cornerstone of Dr. Bawumia’s broader vision for a digitally driven, inclusive economy that leverages technology for job creation and sustainable growth. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Bawumia highlighted GoRide as a “game-changer” in Ghana’s transportation sector. He outlined the platform’s role in tackling challenges within the ride-hailing industry that have impacted local drivers, many of whom previously struggled under high commission rates and competition from foreign ride-hailing giants. “This is not just another app; it’s an initiative to empower local drivers, strengthen our economy and ensure that wealth generated by our transportation sector stays within Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia emphasised.
Information about the app provided to the press said that the ‘GoRide’ is a response to increasing concerns within Ghana’s transport sector, particularly regarding foreign ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt. It says that although these platforms introduced convenience to Ghanaian commuters, the high commissions – often between 20% and 30% – have been burdensome for drivers. This not only impacted local taxi operators but also resulted in diminished earnings for the drivers, sparking calls for a Ghanaian-owned solution. The press release encouraged Ghanaians to enter GoRide, a locally developed app that charges only 10% commission on rides, keeping a greater share of revenue in the hands of local drivers. Of this commission, 1% is allocated towards drivers’ welfare via the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)—an unprecedented support feature that underscores GoRide’s long-term commitment to drivers’ well-being. “GoRide is more than a response to high commissions; it’s a platform designed to prioritise Ghanaian interests. This is about economic empowerment and enabling drivers to make a living without unfair penalties,” Dr. Bawumia remarked. With GoRide’s launch, Dr. Bawumia underscored the app’s potential to create job opportunities across the country. By integrating the traditional local taxi system with digital innovation, the platform bridges the gap between past practices and future possibilities. This new model allows drivers to use the app as a tool rather than a necessity, offering flexibility rarely seen in the current ride-hailing market. For instance, if drivers find passengers independently without the app, they retain 100% of their earnings – unlike traditional platforms that still deduct a commission. Through GoRide, Dr. Bawumia envisions a surge in employment within Ghana’s transport sector, with the app supporting not only drivers but also associated services like vehicle maintenance and support staff. “GoRide is designed to support all levels of the economy – from the driver to those providing services in the transport sector. This is local wealth for local growth,” he stated. GoRide is not just about economic gains. Dr. Bawumia stressed that the platform is intended to foster unity and collaboration among Ghanaians. With GoRide, drivers and passengers alike become part of a community that supports each other through the local economy.
The app even incorporates familiar features, such as fare negotiations, allowing drivers and passengers to agree on prices within a set range. This gives passengers an experience that balances modern convenience with the traditional practice of haggling, a hallmark of Ghanaian transport culture. The sustainability of GoRide was also highlighted as part of Ghana’s broader commitment to eco-friendly solutions. By streamlining the number of cars on the road and promoting efficient use of resources, GoRide aims to contribute to Ghana’s green agenda. Dr. Bawumia commended the app’s focus on long-term sustainable practices, envisioning it as a future-proofed platform for environmentally friendly transportation. By Jesse Otoo
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