The National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (NUTOG) has called on the government to develop and implement a comprehensive legal framework that would regulate the operations of all commercial tricycles – popularly known as Pragya – as promised by President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 Manifesto of the National Democratic Congress.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the association, Seidu Mubarak, led a group of about 1,500 disgruntled riders on a peaceful demonstration to present a petition to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, as well as the Mayor of Kumasi, Mr Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.

Riders marched through key roads in the city, holding placards and chanting slogans against enforcement measures they say hinder their operations.

Seidu Mubarak, in his remarks, said Pragya riders have been subjected to harassment and extortion by enforcement officers.

According to him, the riders have been unjustifiably banned from the Central Business District of Adum for allegedly defying city regulations and causing vehicular congestion.

Describing the claims as false and discriminatory, he has urged city authorities to re-admit Pragya riders into the Central Business District because the sector has created employment for tens of thousands of young people in the region.

He has, therefore, declared a two-week ultimatum, cautioning that the association would direct its members to enter and operate in the Central Business District should city authorities fail to address all outstanding grievances.

Accepting the petition on behalf of the Mayor, the Presiding Member of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Patrick Kwame Frimpong, assured that the assembly would scrutinise the petition and engage with the leadership of the association to see how best both parties could reach a consensus. According to him, the issue would be raised in the assembly’s next meeting. He urged the association to exercise restraint in this period.