Tafo-Pankrono Pragia Riders Storm Old Tafo Municipal Assembly to Petition Over Route Restriction
A wave of discontent has swept through the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality as hundreds of tricycle operators, popularly known as Pragia riders, stormed the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly to petition officials over what they describe as an unfair route restriction that threatens their livelihoods.
The petition follows a recent directive by the Assembly instructing all tricycle operators to cease operations along the Tafo–Pankrono stretch, particularly around the busy Tafo Four Miles area. According to the Assembly, the measure is aimed at reducing chronic traffic congestion and restoring order within the municipality’s major road networks.
However, the Pragia riders, who rely heavily on this route for their daily income, say the restriction has left many of them stranded and struggling to survive. They argue that the decision, which was implemented without adequate consultation, has caused severe economic hardship to thousands of young people who depend on the tricycle business to cater for their families.
Earlier on the day of the protest, scores of Pragia riders marched through parts of Tafo and Pankrono before converging on the premises of the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly to present their petition. The visibly frustrated operators carried placards and chanted songs expressing their displeasure over what they termed as an unfair and inconsiderate decision.
Speaking to the media during the demonstration, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG), Seidu Mubarak, confirmed that the union has officially presented a petition to the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly. He said the petition outlines the riders’ grievances and calls for dialogue and alternative arrangements that would allow them to continue operating lawfully without being subjected to undue hardship.
According to Seidu Mubarak, while the union appreciates the Assembly’s efforts to maintain road discipline and safety, it is equally important for authorities to balance regulation with compassion, especially in the face of current economic challenges confronting many young Ghanaians.
“We have written to the Assembly asking for proper engagement and the creation of new, well-organized stations for our members. We believe in regulation, but it must come with consultation and fairness. The current approach is making life unbearable for these hardworking youth,” Mubarak stated.
He further urged the Assembly to work collaboratively with the union to develop sustainable solutions that would ensure smooth traffic flow without displacing thousands of riders from their livelihoods.
In response, officials of the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly confirmed that they have received the petition from the Pragia operators. The Assembly assured the leadership of the riders that it would engage them in constructive dialogue and find a proper and lasting way to address their concerns.
Municipal sources indicated that discussions are already underway between the Assembly and the leadership of NUTOG to develop a workable plan that will ensure both smooth vehicular movement and sustainable employment opportunities for the riders.
Meanwhile, some of the aggrieved Pragia riders who spoke to the media expressed frustration over alleged instances of police officers extorting money from them along the restricted routes. They called on the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure fairness in the enforcement of the directive.
“We are not against laws, but the way we are being treated is unfair. Some police officers still collect money from us when we use the road, yet we are told not to operate. We only want justice and an opportunity to work peacefully,” one of the riders lamented.
As tensions ease following the Assembly’s assurance of engagement, residents are hopeful that the ongoing discussions will produce a lasting solution that balances law enforcement with economic survival for thousands of young tricycle operators in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality.
