The National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (NUTOG) has appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to urgently accelerate the legal recognition and establishment of a regulatory framework for the tricycle transport sector, fulfilling promises made in the NDC 2024 Manifesto.
Since the NDC assumed office, initial steps toward implementing this commitment have raised hope among tricycle operators nationwide. However, the continued absence of a formalized regulatory system has left riders exposed to harassment, extortion, and inconsistent enforcement practices, undermining their livelihoods and safety.
NUTOG highlighted that on July 24, 2023, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) imposed restrictions barring tricycles from certain parts of the Central Business District (CBD), despite there being no legally gazetted by-law to support the directive. Operators complied peacefully, anticipating stakeholder engagement that has yet to take place. This regulatory vacuum, the union says, has subjected riders to intimidation, arbitrary enforcement, and unauthorized demands for payments, while misconceptions persist that the sector exists solely for revenue generation.
To maintain order and safety within the sector, NUTOG has independently introduced several initiatives, including electronic registration of riders, serialized union stickers and reflectors, a mandatory code of conduct, and a dedicated task force collaborating with law enforcement agencies. These measures, the union asserts, demonstrate its readiness to partner with government to build a structured, disciplined, and professionalized sector.
Despite these proactive efforts, operators continue to face numerous challenges. Confiscation of licenses without receipts, selective arrests, inconsistent enforcement, harassment by some Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and city enforcement officers, and the absence of formal rider training remain persistent issues. The union emphasizes that these difficulties largely stem from the lack of a governing law for tricycle operations.
The tricycle transport industry is a critical youth-driven economic sector in Ghana, employing tens of thousands of young people, providing daily income, and offering essential mobility services to underserved communities. Beyond employment, the sector contributes significantly to poverty reduction and youth empowerment. Yet, without legal recognition, operators remain vulnerable to exploitation and insecurity.
NUTOG is calling on the NDC government to fast-track the formal legalization of the sector, implement a national rider training and safety education programme, and ensure respectful treatment of operators by authorities. The union also seeks full engagement with government in all regulatory discussions, as well as the swift addressing of misconduct and extortion by enforcement officers and unauthorized individuals.
Seidu Mubarak, Ashanti Regional Chairman of NUTOG, reiterated the union’s commitment to collaboration, stating that fast-tracking the legalization process would not only honor a key manifesto promise but also restore dignity, safety, and economic security to thousands of Ghanaians. For further information or inquiries, NUTOG can be reached through the Ashanti Regional Secretariat at 0547914623.
