The ‘Tap and Go’ system allows passengers to conveniently purchase bus tickets and book trips from the comfort of their homes.

However, concerns have been raised by some IT experts regarding the safety and security of the new technology.

Yayra Koku, a notable member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), took to Facebook to express his apprehensions about the initiative.

Mr Koku claimed to have discovered that the IP address associated with Bawumia’s Bus Monitoring system was hosted in China, raising questions about data privacy and security.

He said the system’s software could be easily accessed and manipulated by unauthorized individuals, potentially compromising passenger safety.

Also, Edward Adjei, a Tech Lead and Software Engineer, echoed Koku’s concerns, stating that he was able to bypass security protocols and gain access to sensitive user data and video recordings from the monitoring software’s server.

Mr Adjei highlighted several vulnerabilities in the system, including an outdated web server that could easily crash with certain payloads, posing a significant risk to data integrity and service availability.

Both of them stressed the need for urgent action to address these security flaws and safeguard user data.

They called on authorities to prioritize data privacy and implement robust security measures to prevent potential data breaches and protect passenger safety.

The revelations made by these IT experts have sparked widespread concern among the public and raised questions about the government’s oversight and due diligence in implementing the ‘Tap and Go’ policy.

MORE:

• Osino SHS students allegedly attack official of mining firm, set car ablaze

• Adom FM #KyereWoDo: Jerry Justice’s interesting tale on how he met his wife

• Kpando Nursing Training College runs shift system, Principal appeals for more infrastructure

The Tap and Go system will enable passengers to purchase bus tickets, and book their trips ahead of time in the comfort of their homes.

Speaking at the launch on February 19, Dr Bawumia explained that this was part of efforts to transition all sectors of the economy into a digital age and enhance accountability in the transportation sector.

“We are moving into a new digitalised public transport system where our journeys begin with a simple tap. Where every seats on the bus is just a click away. Where the hustle of cash transaction fades into oblivion. Where there is a transparency between car owners, drivers and mates,” he said.

He explained that, before one has access to the Tap and Go card, they must register with their Ghana card. 

This way, the system identifies all individuals traveling on the bus.

“When you register for your Tap and Go card, we will ask for your Ghana Card. So we will know who is on a bus. When you tap, we will know Kwesi Agyeman has entered this bus. 

“We will have a feature where before you board the bus, you don’t have to come and stand in a queue. You sit in your room whilst you are watching TV, you buy your bus ticket, book it and come and travel when you want to travel,” he added.

Named Tap and Go, it is a digital card preloaded with cash, which can be used to pay for transport fares by tapping the card on a fixed machine on the bus, just as the Oyster Card in the United Kingdom.

Ghana’s Tap and Go card will also have added features of both physical and virtual versions, to ensure ease of use.

With the virtual card, users can download the Tap and Go app on their mobile phones, and opt for a virtual card option, which will enable them make payments through their mobile phones, if they don’t wish to use the card.

In line with the government’s commitment to digitize the economy, this initiative seeks to formalize and streamline the informal transport sector by deploying established and carefully designed technological solutions.

This information was contained in a statement by the Metro Mass Transit Limited, informing the general public about the program.

“As part of Government’s commitment towards digitalizing the Ghanaian economy, an initiative which is being spearheaded by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, there is going to be an official launching of the Tap & Go Transport Initiative on Monday, February 19, 2024, at exactly 9:00am at the Head Office of Metro Mass Transit Limited.”

Full statement below:

ALSO READ:

• Bawumia takes wife on a delightful date to mark 20th anniversary

• What an NDC supporter told Nana Akomea about Bawumia’s digitalisation [Listen]