The Italian government on Tuesday presented 17 high capacity buses worth over one million dollars to the Ministry of Roads and Transport to support government's mass transportation programme.

The buses, which are to distributed to the various district assemblies with each costing 70,000 US dollars was presented through an Italian non-governmental organisation, "I Care".

A four-man team made up of mechanics and drivers from ACT V Bus Company of Italy accompanied the buses to offer short and intensive training to the users. Two containers of spare parts worth 100,000 dollars were handed over.

Receiving the buses Dr. Richard Anane, Minister of Roads and Transport told private transport operators that the buses had come to complement their contribution and to make live comfortable for Ghanaians and asked them to accord, whichever agency, that would operate them, the needed co-operation.

He said government was aware of transportation problems facing workers, traders, service providers and school children and as was such looking for other avenues to "flood" the nation more buses to ease the problem.

"We have been in constant touch with our friendly nations through diplomatic channels to secure additional assistance in the area of transport services and infrastructure" he added. Dr Anane expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Italy for lending support to the transport sector, adding, "we hope this is just the beginning of greater things to follow for our mutual benefit."

Dr Marcello Moro, Consul designate in Italy said the presentation was in response to an appeal made by Dr. Anane when he visited Italy. Mrs Alima Mahama, Deputy Minister of Local government and Rural Development, who chaired the function re-echoed government's commitment to establish a Mass Transportation Authority, an umbrella organisation to handle mass transport system in the country.

Mrs. Mahama said Metropolitan and Municipal Mass Transport system would also be set up to oversee the activities of mass transport system in the regions.