Uber arrives in Accra – its 467th city
Accra is the new city to join the African network of the multinational taxi company Uber.
“Uber is excited to explore the potential of this dynamic city,” the taxi company said in a statement.
The taxi company operates by a mobile app via which customers can contact a driver with their destination, get located and picked up.
The taxi company said there is “a clear demand” for its services given that over four million are estimated to use the streets in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area and mobile phone penetration is very much on the high in Ghana.
The General Manager for Uber in Sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits, was quoted as saying: “Accra is bustling, connected city that Uber is proud to be launching in. It’s rapid growth and multiple ethnic communities make it an exciting place to introduce our service.
“We see Accra as a natural fit, because its people are willing to embrace innovation and technology and love products that are cool, exclusive and offer a new experience. We are able to deliver just that, safely, reliably and affordably.”
To celebrate its launch in Accra, the taxi company said it is providing free rides from midday on Thursday June 9, to Sunday June 12 at midnight.
Users will be limited to a total of 6 free rides and each trip is limited to a maximum cost of GHS 20 each within the Accra coverage area.
By Emmanuel Odonkor
Another example of American corporate greed and the exploitation of the vulnerable!!. why don’t you allow the locals to develop their own business models. How about the number of cars that will end up on the heavy Accra traffic nightmares. Uber has been facing several lawsuits in the US due to greedy practices with no protection or benefits whatsoever for the drivers who sign up as independent drivers. Our governments in Africa should be wise, but I bet they will not as usual, being consumed by selfish interest.