Understanding the Rise of Ride-Hailing in Ghana
A recent report titled theRide-Hailing Safety Indexhas shed light on the growing perception of safety associated with ride-hailing services in Ghana. Commissioned by Bolt and conducted by Ipsos, the study highlights that81 percent of Ghanaians believe ride-hailing is safer than other transport options. This reflects a significant shift in how people view app-based mobility as a key player in enhancing urban safety and convenience.
The research was based on surveys conducted in four major cities: Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. It aimed to understand how safety perceptions influence transportation choices, the role of technology in building trust, and how ride-hailing services are contributing to safer urban travel.
At a press briefing hosted by Bolt, government officials, road safety experts, and mobility stakeholders came together to discuss the findings. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between private companies and public entities in advancing safety innovation within Ghana’s transport system.
Key Findings from the Report
One of the most striking results of the survey is that80 percent of respondents choose ride-hailing for its convenience, while45 percent cite safety as a primary reason. This indicates that app-based mobility is becoming an essential part of daily life for many Ghanaians.
Additionally,92 percent of users reported using ride-hailing services when they need a safer or more reliable form of transport. This is especially true for late-night trips (70 percent), when walking feels unsafe (50 percent), or when individuals are tired or unwell (46 percent).
The survey also revealed that women make up70 percent of ride-hailing users in Ghana, with the largest group falling between the ages of 25 and 34. This suggests that digital mobility is playing a crucial role in enabling safe, flexible, and independent travel for young urban commuters.
Safety Features That Build Confidence
Several safety-enhancing features have been identified as key tools in building passenger confidence. These include:
- Real-time GPS tracking (61 percent)– allowing passengers to monitor their journey and feel more secure.
- Driver verification (57 percent)– ensuring that drivers are properly vetted and qualified.
- Trip sharing (55 percent)– giving passengers the ability to share their trip details with trusted contacts.
In total,94 percent of passengers agreed that these in-app safety features make them feel more securewhen using ride-hailing services.
Another important finding is that52 percent of respondents believe ride-hailing apps help reduce drunk drivingby offering a safe and accessible alternative after social events. This contributes positively to public safety outcomes and highlights the broader societal benefits of ride-hailing services.
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Sandra Suzanne Buyole, Regional PR Manager for Bolt in Ghana, shared her insights on the report. She stated, “This report gives us valuable insight into how Ghanaians experience and perceive safety when using ride-hailing. It reinforces that safety is not only a key reason people choose digital mobility, but also an area where continuous investment in technology, driver education, and collaboration with stakeholders can make a lasting difference.”
Witness Soyinka, Head of Strategy Africa at Ipsos, added, “The findings show that Ghanaians increasingly associate ride-hailing with reliability, traceability, and accountability, qualities that are essential for building long-term trust in mobility services. Safety features that enhance visibility and control are the main drivers of passenger confidence, especially among women and younger users.”
Moving Forward with Safer Mobility
TheRide-Hailing Safety Index Reportserves as a data-driven foundation for future improvements in safety innovation and awareness. It aims to support ongoing partnerships with regulators and the wider transport community to promote safer, more reliable urban mobility across Ghana.
As ride-hailing continues to evolve, it is clear that the integration of technology and a strong focus on safety will be essential in meeting the needs of urban travelers. With continued efforts from both the private and public sectors, the future of mobility in Ghana looks promising.