The National Commercial Tricycle Riders Union has appealed to the government to review and reduce the cost of licensing commercial tricycle operators, arguing that the current fee structure is discouraging compliance and pushing many riders to operate outside the law.
The union says the GH₵1,500 licensing fee charged by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is beyond the financial capacity of most riders, making legal registration unattainable for a large segment of operators and raising concerns about safety and regulation.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, the union’s National Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Adjetey, explained that a reduction in the licensing cost would significantly improve adherence to regulatory requirements.
“The amount is higher than what most riders can afford. If the DVLA lowers the cost, more people will be able to register,” he said, noting that licensing was previously not a major concern but has since become a pressing issue.
Mr Adjetey also highlighted the lack of designated tricycle stations as another major challenge confronting operators. He pointed to areas such as Kasoa, Koforidua, and Kumasi, where the absence of proper terminals makes it difficult for riders to meet regulatory expectations.
“Once we have proper stations and the licences are made affordable, compliance will not be a problem,” he stated.
The union believes that lowering licensing fees, alongside the provision of appropriate infrastructure, would not only improve safety standards but also help organise operations and enhance effective enforcement across the country.
