The technology company, credited with disrupting the transportation space in across the world, has extended its services into Kumasi, making it the second city in Ghana and the 616th globally.
In a ceremony to mark the event, Alon Lits, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Uber said: “We are immensely pleased to bring a technologically enabled transport system to the people of Kumasi. With it, Uber will provide them with an alternative way to get from point A to B, and ensure that they’re able to achieve their basic, everyday goals – whether they be business people, students or corporate workers – Uber is here to help support their socio-economic objectives.
The Kumasi launch was preceded by the launch of Accra, Ghana’s capital city in 2016. The company insists its operations in Ghana have seen marked improvement over the period.
Despite its successes, the company has come under pressure in recent weeks following agitation from various taxi unions and groups who contend the company is breaching Ghana’s tax laws.
According to Elon however: “Uber is an innovative, pro smart regulation company; we intend to collaborate with government and work with necessary stakeholders to ensure that we create world-class, affordable systems that create economic opportunities, improve efficiencies and reduce emissions.”
On his part, Country Manager Ghana at Uber, Kofi Agyare added: “Since Uber launched in Accra in 2016, key members of the Uber Policy and Operations teams have been constantly engaging with relevant policy makers, regulators and stakeholders to showcase the benefits that technology can bring to public transport. We are convinced that if we continue to work together with the government, we can achieve our goal of continued creation of economic opportunities.”
The Uber network is now available in over 600 cities in over 80 countries spanning 6 continents.