Authorities in the Ahafo Region have expressed concern over the increasing use of tricycles, popularly known as “pragia,” on major highways, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to road safety.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service says it has observed a growing number of pragia riders using highways including the Goaso-Hwidiem, Goaso-Mim, Goaso-Kukuom, Kenyasi-Ntotroso and Hwidiem-Kenyasi roads for commercial transport activities.
Speaking to Adom News, the Ahafo Regional MTTD Commander, Superintendent Ekow Gaisie, said the practice is a clear violation of road traffic regulations and puts both riders and passengers at risk.
According to him, the highways are primarily used by taxis, buses and heavy-duty trucks, making them unsafe for tricycles.
He therefore urged pragia operators to stop using the highways immediately to avoid accidents and potential loss of lives.
“We have noticed that some pragia riders are operating on these highways for commercial purposes, which is against the law. The roads are used by larger vehicles, and this endangers the lives of both riders and passengers,” he said.
The Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Ahafo Region and District Chief Executive for Asutifi South, Benjamin Assabil Donkor, also warned that authorities would not allow the situation to continue unchecked.
He disclosed that the various assemblies would engage tricycle operators to educate them on the intended use of pragia services, which he said are meant primarily for short-distance transportation within towns and communities.
Mr. Donkor further noted that some individuals have already exploited tricycle operations to engage in criminal activities, and allowing them to operate on highways could create additional security challenges.
“We will not sit unconcerned and allow pragia riders to use highways and create another menace in the region. We will engage them and ensure they understand the limits of their operations,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Gaisie has warned that enforcement measures will begin immediately if operators fail to comply with the directive.
He said MTTD personnel, together with officers stationed at police barriers along the affected roads, have been instructed to arrest offending riders and process them for prosecution.
The authorities are therefore urging all pragia operators in the region to adhere to road traffic regulations and avoid using highways to safeguard lives and maintain road safety.
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