Uber launches in Ghana, starts with free weekend rides

Uber, the online taxi hailing company, has announced it entry into Accra, Ghana’s capital with the promise of free rides between Thursday June 9 and Sunday June 12, 2016.

‘‘Uber has officially arrived in Ghana’s most economically vibrant hub! Accra continues to be a place where businesses are born, and has become one of Africa’s fastest growing cities,’‘ a statement on their website read.

We've arrived in Accra & it’s FREE this weekend only! Sign up & unlock 6 rides: https://t.co/whyrOrLGw8 #MoveGHANA pic.twitter.com/t1UIxB7V8W

— Uber Ghana (@Uber_Ghana) June 9, 2016

Speaking at the launch of the service, General manager of the sub Saharan Africa unit, Alon Lits reemphasized the fact that Uber provided safe, reliable and affordable services through its easy to use platform connecting drivers in real time with clients at the touch of a button.

‘‘With over 4 million people using the streets of Accra Metropolitan Area, there is a clear demand for Uber’s services. You can start the Uber app from anywhere and wait safely for your car to arrive,’‘ he said.

‘‘Our platform contributes to a broader evolution in global transportation where riders are empowered to access transport on their terms, in a way that is useful to them and sustainable for our cities. We are excited to add a vibrant, growing economy of Accra to our global network,’‘ he concluded.

We spotted celebrity stylist, Afua_Rida, requesting her very first Uber ride in Accra. #MoveGHANA 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/q8UwNRZf6l

— Uber Ghana (Uber_Ghana) June 9, 2016

Accra becomes the 467th city to join Uber’s booming network globally. The service had earlier faced opposition by traditional taxi drivers on the continent, despite that they continue their expansion.

Another challenge is traffic-clogged roads, high rates of urban crime and a lack of credit cards in most of the cities that the company operates, yet Uber continues to expand in Africa since it entered South Africa in 2012.

The company described Accra as a city that ‘‘is alive with colourful people, vibrant streets and constant innovation,’‘ adding that ‘‘these are just a few of the reasons why Uber loves Accra.’‘

Before Accra, Uber’s last launch was in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

“It’s the most convenient way to get a safe, reliable and affordable ride – the app detects your location, tells you about your driver in advance, and you can choose to pay with card or cash, which makes it easy and safer for both riders and drivers,” Uber said of its services.