The bus stop near Kumasi Mall has become a daily scene of frustration as commuters struggle to find transport home after 5 p.m. What should be a smooth evening journey has turned into hours of waiting for many passengers.
For residents heading to areas such as Ahodwo, Asokwa, Tech Junction, and Ejisu, the challenge is the same. Most buses arrive already full or pass by without stopping. “I closed from work around 5:30 p.m and came straight here. It’s now 7 p.m., and I’m still standing,” said Frimpong, an employee of Orange FM trying to get to Ejisu. “The buses are few, and when they come, they’re already packed from Adum or Kejetia.”
The bus stop serves hundreds of shoppers and workers leaving the busy Kumasi Mall area each evening. By rush hour, the space is overcrowded, with commuters pushing to board the few available buses.
Some passengers say the problem has existed for months but is getting worse. “Fridays are the worst,” said Kofi Owusu, an intern from KNUST. “Sometimes I just start walking toward Baba Yara Stadium, hoping to find a trotro or taxi along the way.”
Several drivers admit that many prefer shorter, more profitable inner-city trips during peak hours, leaving fewer buses for longer routes. High fuel costs and weak supervision from transport authorities have also worsened the situation.
Commuters are urging the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and transport unions to address the crisis by increasing the number of buses during evening hours.
Until then, the scene repeats daily tired workers waiting under dim streetlights, hoping the next bus will stop and finally have space.
