In Kumasi, the widespread use of pragya—three-wheeled tricycles—has revolutionized urban transportation, providing an effective solution to the city's mobility challenges. Despite national regulations prohibiting their use for commercial passenger services, these vehicles have become a crucial means of daily transport for thousands and a primary source of income for many young people.
Introduced informally, pragya tricycles offer affordable, flexible transportation, particularly in densely populated and underserved areas. Their popularity continues to rise, even though the 2012 Road Traffic Regulations explicitly ban motorcycles and tricycles from being used commercially for passenger transport.
Former President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged the significance of this sector during his presidency and suggested a possible review of the legislation in his first State of the Nation Address. While legal reforms remain pending, stakeholders within the industry are actively working to organize and legitimize their operations.
Recently, the Tricycle Operators Association conducted a three-day outreach campaign in Kumasi, engaging hundreds of riders to promote road safety and responsible driving. The initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare the sector for potential regulatory inclusion.
“This initiative will help streamline our operations, making it easier for the government to regulate the sector,” said Hamza Hafiz, National Chairman of the Tricycle Operators Association. “It will also allow us to identify and remove those whose misconduct damages the industry's reputation.”
One major issue addressed during the campaign was the increasing number of underage drivers. Association leaders emphasized that the legal driving age is 21 and committed to enforcing this requirement more strictly.
The National Road Safety Authority has endorsed the Association’s efforts, encouraging riders to adhere to traffic laws and prioritize safety.
Officials remain optimistic that improved organization and discipline within the tricycle sector will lead to formal recognition and eventual integration of pragya tricycles into Ghana’s urban transportation system.
Source; theghanareport
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