In a decisive ruling at the Nkawie Circuit Court, Justice Robert Addo has cautioned tricycle riders, commonly known as “Pragya” operators, against using their vehicles for commercial transport, stressing that such practices remain illegal under current Ghanaian road laws.
The judge’s remarks followed a case involving two Pragya riders, Ibrahim Abubakar and Peter Asare, who were arrested and charged with operating without licenses and parking at unauthorized locations.
Arrested for Defiance and Unlicensed Riding
According to the police report, the incident took place on June 27, 2025, between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., when officers from the Nkawie Divisional MTTD were on routine patrol duties. The two riders had illegally parked their tricycles in front of the Nkawie central market.
When instructed to relocate, both men refused to comply, prompting police to call for reinforcement. Upon their arrest, investigations revealed they were operating without valid driving licenses.
They were subsequently processed, charged, and brought before the court.
Conviction and Penalty
Standing before the Nkawie Circuit Court, Abubakar and Asare pleaded guilty to the charges. Justice Addo convicted them on their own plea and fined them GH¢600 each. In the event of default, they will serve nine months imprisonment.
Law Still in Force: Commercial Use of Pragya Remains Illegal
Delivering his judgment, Justice Addo reminded the public that the legal framework regulating tricycle operations has not yet been updated to allow commercial use. Specifically, he referred to Section 128, Subsections One and Two of the Road Traffic Regulations, which prohibit the use of such vehicles for fare-based transport.
He urged Pragya riders to be disciplined, respectful of traffic laws, and cooperative with the police and other road agencies to help promote safety and sanity on public roads.
A Broader Message to All Tricycle Riders
The judge’s ruling goes beyond just penalizing two individuals; it serves as a broader warning to the growing number of tricycle riders across the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large. Until laws are officially amended and regulatory frameworks put in place, using tricycles for commercial purposes remains an offense.
Authorities continue to monitor, arrest, and prosecute defaulters as part of efforts to sanitize urban transport operations.
