Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the ride-hailing app ‘GORide’ to transform the country’s transport system.
The App, born from a strategic public-private partnership, was developed by Transport for Ghana Consortium Limited (TFG), a collaboration of three indigenous tech companies.
Dr. Bawumia, unveiling the GoRide App said it is a Ghanaian product that showcases the potential of local innovation and proves that homegrown solutions can compete with and even surpass foreign alternatives as well.
“Today, we put an end to that struggle. GO Ride is not just another app; it represents a bold commitment to upgrade the trade of our local drivers, particularly those associated with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.
With a competitive commission rate of just 10%, our drivers are being empowered to retain more of their hard-earned money, allowing them to improve their financial stability and support their families.
This is about restoring dignity to our drivers and ensuring that they thrive,” he said.
The Vice President who is also the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the initiative reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth.
“By keeping the profits generated by GORide within our borders, we are conserving foreign exchange, fostering local wealth creation, and enhancing our national economy. Every ride taken on GORide contributes directly to Ghana’s development, helping to build a sustainable future for all of us,” he said.
He explained that GORide is a digital version the local taxi system which takes the traditional approach of finding a ride and gives it a modern twist, making it easier for both passengers and drivers to connect without disrupting the essence of the local transport system.
“One of the key principles behind GoRide’s design is simplicity because it built to be user-friendly for both tech-savvy passengers and those who may not be as familiar with digital platforms,” he added.
Benefits
The app does not only enhance the experience for passengers but also ensures that drivers receive fair compensation for their work and in doing so, GoRide is contributing to a more sustainable transport ecosystem that benefits the entire country.
Passengers can simply request the ride through the GOride app and a nearby driver will be matched with them and for drivers, GoRide will offer them an innovative model that respects their work and gives them more control over their earnings
The haggle experience of the ride-hailing app is built into a platform to allow drivers and passengers negotiate fares within a predefined range, making the experience feel familiar to those accustomed to traditional taxi haggling.
GoRide is more than just a new app on the market, moreover, it will be a symbol of the growing movement to support local industries and protect the livelihoods of Ghanaian workers and will play an important role in boosting Ghana’s digital economy.
It’s a platform that bridges the gap between traditional taxis and modern technology, offering a solution that works for everyone, and the services are available in select parts of urban Accra, focusing on areas with high demand and significant urban activity.
By Janet Odei Amponsah
