Pragya Riders Protest in Kumasi Over ‘Harassment’ and Ban from Adum–Kejetia Routes

Hundreds of Pragya riders in Kumasi poured onto the streets on Monday to protest what they describe as persistent harassment and an “unfair” road traffic directive barring their tricycles from operating within the Central Business District (CBD), including the bustling Adum and Kejetia corridors.

The riders, who form a vital part of the city’s informal transport network, say the restrictions have severely affected their livelihoods. They accuse officials of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other task force units of daily intimidation, extortion, and arbitrary arrests since the enforcement of the directive.

The demonstrators first converged on the premises of the KMA, where they attempted to present a petition to the Metropolitan Chief Executive. From there, they embarked on a peaceful march through parts of the city, voicing their concerns and calling for immediate government intervention.

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana, Seidu Mubarak, said the demonstration was sparked by what he called “ongoing abuse” by city authorities.

“Today, we are here to demonstrate against the KMA on the kind of harassment, extortion, and the continued disregard of the challenges we face as tricycle operators,” he told JOYNEWS. “We have made several appeals to the Assembly, yet they refuse to hear us.”

Mubarak added that the operators had hoped the situation would improve following campaign promises made during the 2024 election season. According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged in its manifesto to regularise and legalise tricycle operations — an assurance the riders say remains unfulfilled nearly a year later.

He further disclosed that the government previously took steps toward developing a regulatory framework for the sector, including sponsoring a team of tricycle union leaders and the Transport Minister on a knowledge-sharing trip to Rwanda to study international best practices.

“They returned in March this year, and till today we don’t know where the process stands. We want to urge the government to fast-track the legalisation and regulation,” Mubarak said.

Meanwhile, the KMA has defended the directive, insisting that the ban is part of broader efforts to ease congestion and enhance road safety within the already overcrowded Adum–Kejetia enclave. City officials argue that the increasing number of tricycles within the CBD poses serious safety risks to pedestrians and other road users.

But the riders maintain that the Assembly has failed to provide alternative routes, proper engagement, or a clear regulatory framework — a situation they believe amounts to discrimination against low-income transport workers.

They have vowed to continue the push for reforms until authorities develop a comprehensive and fair system that accommodates Pragya operators while addressing congestion and safety concerns.