In Kumasi, a scuffle broke out between tricycle operators (also known as Pragya) and police officers, resulting in six officers getting injured.
Since August 1, 2023, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has been implementing a rule to prohibit tricycle operators from conducting their business in the central business district of Kumasi. This is a security measure aimed at curbing dangerous driving in the city.
After the directive was given, several tricycle operators have tried to disobey it. On Wednesday last week, a group of them protested by obstructing roads leading to the central business district.
The KMA is committed to enforcing the directive and has impounded some tricycles due to riders’ decision to ignore the directive.
On Monday, a group of riders tried to enter the KMA premises and take back their impounded tricycles. As a result, the KMA had to call the police for extra security.
According to Nana Afuah Konadu, the Public Relations Officer of KMA, the police were called by KMA to assist in restoring peace after tricycle operators stormed the KMA offices to reclaim their confiscated tricycles.
Nana Afuah Konadu stated to the journalists that the KMA would proceed with its decision.
“At hospitals, you can witness the injuries sustained by various people. We noticed that the situation was becoming unmanageable. The individuals involved were not willing to cooperate and were prepared to harm anyone who crossed their path.
They were obstructing the rule of law and order. Consequently, the military intervened, with around seven personnel dispatched to disperse the crowd. They have since withdrawn. Our program will continue for another week, and further actions will be determined based on the situation,” stated the Head of Communications at KMA.
On August 2nd, tricycle operators in Kumasi increased their protest against a directive that limits their movement in certain areas of the Central Business District. Despite this resistance, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly remains committed to enforcing the policy.
On Wednesday, August 2, the tricycle operators blocked a major road leading to Kejetia, causing significant disruptions to traffic and daily activities.
