The Editor of the Informer Newspaper, Andy Kankam, has intimated that the change in date of the ban on the use of commercial tricycles popularly known as ‘Aboboyaa’ is necessary.
Speaking on the date being moved from November 1, 2021 to February 1, 2022, he averred that the Minister cannot implement the ban without putting things in place. He indicated that, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, needs further engagement before he can implement the ban fully.
“You need to tighten all the holes. The Minister is aware that before you push any policy, you need to engage stakeholders before they can accept it. Again, he must engage all the MPs in the Greater Accra Region”.
Andy Kankam
However, Mr. Kankam posited that he will have an issue with the minister if by February next year, he comes out to say that, “because of abcd, I have not been able to do it”.
Commenting on the Mr. Kwame Agboza’s opposition on the ban, he disclosed that there are laws which support the ban and not as Mr. Agboza is purporting that the ban is illegal.
“The fact that you are a ranking member doesn’t mean that when there is a policy, you necessarily have to speak to it. I listened to his [Kwame Agboza] engagement on local radio stations and as a good friend I felt very embarrassed for him”.
Andy Kankam
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Mr. Kankam further noted that ‘Aboboyaa’s’ aren’t for use of the highways and must be restricted on highways and not negotiated on as the ranking member suggests.
“It not about negotiating on the law but it’s about educating the people. And I don’t think that the Minister will change that February”.
Andy Kankam
There are laws backing ban of Aboboyaa
Mr. Awudu Mahama, editor of the Custodian Newspaper, contributing to the discussion expressed worry over Mr. Kwame Agboza’s opposition on the ban of the ‘Aboboyaa’.
He stated that there is a law that does not permit the tricycles to be used to carry people as transportation and even take fares mainly for commercial use. He noted that the Road Safety Act Regulation 128, clearly states that ‘Aboboyaa’s’ are not allowed “to engage in these activities. I don’t understand why he said there is no law”.
“The Minister is actually quoting Roads Safety Authority; Police Service would regulate all these things. He is not saying that as a regional minister he is doing it alone. He is actually doing it in collaboration with these state agencies and they have laws that regulate these things”.
Awudu Mahama
Touching on safety, he said the ‘Aboboyaa’s’ plying the high way poses risk to road users. He added that the ones that carry passengers also pose as risk to the occupants. He suggested that the Aboboyaa’s be used for commercial purposes in areas that one hardly gets taxis or cars, especially the rural side.
