By Jones Anlimah
VIP Transport Company has opened a new terminal in Hohoe in the Volta Region as part of efforts to expand its operations and improve transport connectivity between the municipality and other parts of the country.
The Hohoe facility becomes the company’s 87th operational terminal nationwide and its second in the Volta Region, following growing demand for its services from residents and travellers within the Hohoe enclave and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of Operations for VIP Transport in the Volta and Oti Regions, Mr Nelson Attipoe, said the decision to establish the terminal followed sustained requests from residents seeking reliable long-distance transport services.
He said management had observed the growing demand for travel from Hohoe to destinations including Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, prompting the company to secure an operating permit about six months ago.
Mr Attipoe said operations commenced last month, with the new terminal expected to serve as an important hub for expanding the company’s presence in the Volta Region and beyond.
“Our services today start between Hohoe and Accra, Hohoe and Kumasi, Hohoe and Tamale and the rest of Ghana,” he said.
He explained that the company’s longer-term plans included extending services to other regions, including Western, Bono and North East, while exploring direct connections to other parts of the Volta Region, such as Aflao.
Mr Attipoe expressed appreciation to the Hohoe Municipal Assembly and other relevant authorities for facilitating the company’s entry into the municipality.
The Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Prosper Kumi, described the opening as an important development for the municipality, saying the entry of additional transport operators would promote healthy competition and improve service delivery.
He disclosed that Metro Mass Transit was expected to strengthen its operations in Hohoe within a month, while the State Transport Company (STC) was also preparing to enter the market.
“For us, we are into serving the people. For you, it is business,” he said, adding that the municipality was positioned to accommodate existing and incoming transport operators without pushing any of them out of business.
Mr Kumi said improved transport services would benefit residents and travellers, particularly as work continued on the Eastern Corridor Road.
He acknowledged some delays in the road project but expressed optimism that its progress would bring relief to road users and improve the movement of people and goods.
The MCE also urged VIP Transport to demonstrate corporate social responsibility by supporting community development initiatives, including clean-up exercises, school renovations and other interventions.
He further reminded the company of its obligation to meet its statutory responsibilities, particularly the payment of relevant rates to the Assembly to support local development.
Meanwhile, the Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander for Volta North, ASP Richard Dassah, welcomed the company’s entry into Hohoe but urged management and drivers to prioritise road safety.
He said commercial vehicle accidents in Hohoe had reduced considerably this year and cautioned the company against conduct that could undermine the gains made.
“As they are coming on board, we equally expect them to also advise their drivers to drive cautiously when they are on the road. We don’t want these buses that are coming to operate here to hear that they are involved in accidents,” he said.
ASP Dassah also cautioned drivers and management against allowing their vehicles to be used to transport contraband goods, warning that such activities could undermine the company’s operations.
He urged the company to maintain high standards of customer service, noting that the transport industry was competitive and that customer satisfaction would be critical to business growth.
VIP Transport began operations in 2008 with eight buses serving the Accra-Kumasi route. According to Mr Attipoe, the company has since expanded to operate about 1,500 buses under its branded fleet, alongside additional buses serving its subsidiary businesses.
The Hohoe terminal is expected to strengthen transport links between the municipality and major destinations across Ghana while providing travellers in the area with additional options for long-distance journeys.
