The Ghanaian National Union of Tricycle Operators has reiterated its demand that the government of President John Mahama permit the use of commercial tricycles in the nation.
The union contends that throughout its campaign, the new government pledged to fix the problem, and they are now pressing the administration to keep its word.
The group claims that allowing commercial tricycles would improve safety for both drivers and passengers, restore much-needed order to the industry, and help lower Ghana’s increasing youth unemployment rate.
Additionally, they highlight how commercial tricycles help sustain livelihoods and alleviate transportation issues in underprivileged communities, and they urge the government to take immediate steps to formalize their activities.
“When we banned the tricycles from plying within the central present business district, I don’t think our predecessors should come and vary the decision of the assembly. Because if you had walked through the city this Christmas, though we had traffic, it was better with their presence not being felt there.”
In 2023, however, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) issued an order prohibiting the use of commercial tricycles in some areas of the city.
Tricycle operators, who contend that the restriction is harmful to their livelihoods, widely protested the decision.
Although operators have pushed for the directive to be lifted, former Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has urged his successor to uphold the prohibition.
“When we banned the tricycles from plying within the central present business district, I don’t think our predecessors should come and vary the decision of the assembly. Because if you had walked through the city this Christmas, though we had traffic, it was better with their presence not being felt there.”
