Akwantuo Express Simplifies Student Travel Experience with Hubtel’s Direct Debit API 

For years, Akwantuo Express has been the go-to transport service for students moving between campuses in Ghana. Known for affordable fares and reliable service, the company has built a loyal following. But as bookings grew, payments became harder to manage.

Cash handling, third-party glitches, and reconciliation delays were putting pressure on both the team and their customers. To keep its promise of convenience, Akwantuo needed a new way forward. 

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That’s when the company turned to Hubtel’s Direct Debit API — and the impact has been transformative. 

Key Outcomes at a Glance 

• Significant revenue growth since adoption with steady monthly increases 

• 80% of transactions now processed through Hubtel’s API 

• 100% decreases in revenue leakages. 

• Instant payment confirmations build student trust 

• Simplified reconciliation saves time and reduces errors 

About Akwantuo Express 

Founded in 2016, Akwantuo Express started with a simple mission: to make student travel affordable, safe, and stress-free. What began as a campus-based service has grown into a trusted travel partner for thousands of students and travellers across Ghana. Today, Akwantuo is known not only for its reliable buses but also for its commitment to making every part of the journey enjoyable. 

Staying Ahead Meant Rethinking Payments 

As demand grew, Akwantuo realised that their biggest challenge wasn’t just collecting money, it was keeping track of it. With agents handling cash, money sometimes went missing. Add in the mix of different third-party providers, and reconciliation became a nightmare. 

“Sometimes the money collected didn’t add up to the tickets issued,” recalls Derrick Smith, Team Lead at Akwantuo Express. “Other times, it would take forever to match transactions across different systems. It slowed us down and made it hard to trust the numbers we were seeing.” 

The pressure was even worse during peak travel seasons when students rushed to campuses. Payments got messy, and the team spent more time chasing after transactions than focusing on their customers. 

It became clear that if Akwantuo wanted to stay on top, it needed a simpler, more reliable system — one that could secure every cedi and make reconciliation effortless. 

A Better Way with Hubtel 

In its search for a better system, Akwantuo discovered the Hubtel Direct Debit API. Already familiar with Hubtel’s reputation in Ghana’s e-commerce space, the team trusted it could deliver. 

The integration was straightforward, and the benefits were visible. 

“Now, when a student books, the payment reflects instantly,” Derrick shared. “The Hubtel merchant dashboard tracks everything automatically. There is no stress and no chasing reports.” 

The Impact 

Since adopting Hubtel’s Direct Debit API, Akwantuo has seen a major shift in how payments flow through the business. 

• Faster settlements: Payments reach the business quickly, giving better control over cash flow. 

• Reduced revenue leakages: Missed or delayed payments are minimised, ensuring every transaction is captured. 

• High transaction adoption: Over 80% of bookings are now paid through Hubtel. 

• Simplified reconciliation: The finance team no longer spends hours tracking mismatches. 

• Improved customer experience: Students receive instant confirmation, boosting trust and confidence in the brand. 

• Revenue growth: Consistent collections and fewer payment drop-offs support steady month-on-month business growth. 

“It’s changed the way we run our operations,” Derrick adds. “Cash flow is steadier, our team spends less time fixing issues, and students trust the process more. That trust is what keeps them coming back.” 

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Growing With Hubtel 

With payments under control, Akwantuo is setting its sights on expansion. The company plans to extend its services to more campuses and regions, knowing Hubtel will scale with them. 

“Hubtel has given us control over our payments,” Derrick concludes. “It’s reliable, simple, and it allows us to focus on what really matters — making student travel stress-free.”