The Managing Director (MD) of Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL), Kale Cezar, has disclosed that a container of spare parts supplied by Dutch manufacturer VDL has been left at the port for more than two years, worsening the company’s operational and financial difficulties.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Cezar said the container was imported under the company’s previous management but was never cleared, resulting in mounting port charges and delaying the deployment of much-needed buses.
“That (container) full of steppers was given to us by VDL Company. Our predecessors actually brought that container,” he explained.
According to him, management took steps to resolve the issue immediately after it was brought to their attention, initiating processes to clear the container from the port.
He said this involved extensive engagement with state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), to determine why the container had remained uncleared for so long and what was required to facilitate its release.
After months of follow-ups and administrative procedures, Mr Cezar said Metro Mass was now close to clearing the container.
“If the government could waive some direct taxes and VAT on our imports, it would greatly help our operations,” he said.
The MD noted that while the previous management operated more than 185 buses, Metro Mass currently runs between 120 and 130 buses.
Despite this reduction, he said revenue had increased significantly. According to him, the company previously mobilised between GH¢8.5 million and GH¢9 million monthly, but now generates over GH¢15 million each month, even with fewer buses on the road.
Cezar attributed the improvement largely to the sealing of financial leakages, particularly through the expansion of electronic ticketing systems.
“They introduced an IT solution for collecting tickets, but it was only (utilised for) about 40 to 50 per cent (of the company’s operations). Now, we are (doing) almost 100 per cent,” Cezar said.
He explained that the wider rollout of electronic ticketing had significantly reduced revenue losses that previously affected efficiency.
Much of the revenue, he added, was being used to service inherited debts. Still, the company was now able to meet its monthly obligations, including salaries, pension contributions and structured debt repayments.
Cezar said when he assumed office, Metro Mass was grappling with severe financial, operational and welfare challenges.
He revealed that some workers, including conductors and frontline staff, earned as little as GH¢770 a month. He said management implemented a 20 per cent salary increase and later set a new minimum wage of GH¢1,300 for the lowest-paid workers.
Regular salary payments have also been restored, with workers now paid by the third week of each month.
The MD further disclosed that the company inherited substantial statutory and non-statutory debts, including unpaid pension contributions, tax arrears, fuel debts and multiple court judgments stemming from breached contracts under previous administrations.
