The Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council (GARCC) has banned the operation of tricycles, otherwise known as “Pragyia” or “Aboboyaa” in some parts of the region.

According to the Council, commercial activity of these tricycles has resulted in heavy traffic congestion and chaotic scenes. It revealed that it has also resulted into indiscriminate packing and flouting of traffic regulations, among others.

“The Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council (GARCC), the highest decision-making body of the region at its general meeting held on 14th August 2023, noted with grave concern the unregulated activities and operations of tricycles popularly called “Pragyia” and “Aboboyaa” within the Central Business District (CBD) as well as some principal streets in Accra… [Therefore, there’s] A restriction on the movement of “Pragyia” and “Aboboyaa” in the Central Business Districts (CBD) of Accra Metropolitan, Krowor, Korle Klottey, Tema Metropolitan, La Dade Kotopon, La Nkwantanang Madina, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso West, Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso North, Ledzokuku, Okaikwei North and Adentan Municipal…”
Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council

Ban on paraphernalia during festivals

Contained in a statement signed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, the Council further reinforced the ban on the use of “Aboboyaa” on the Motorway and Principal Streets in the region. It explained that the Council deems it very imperative and urgent to regulate the movement of these “Pragyias” and “Aboboyaas” and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for the comfort of travellers.

Furthermore, the Council stated that the meeting underscored the peace prevailing in the region and affirmed the importance of unity among the Chiefs and people by ensuring division is prevented during festivals.
In light of this, the Council resolved to initiate a ban on the use of party paraphernalia during festivals in the region. By this, it ordered that there shall be no hoisting of flags, no wearing of party attires, among others.

“The Council charged all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and their Presiding Members to ensure that all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) sensitize the public and subsequently pass a by-law to promote the implementation of the resolutions. We urge all citizens in the Greater Accra region to support this campaign in our collective efforts to make Greater Accra work.”
Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council

It will be recalled that earlier this month, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) warned that it will continue to crack down on tricycle users in the central business district of Kumasi.

The KMA began enforcing its ban on tricycles, popularly known as aboboya, on July 25 and faced fierce resistance from operators.

More than ten defiant operators were arrested on August 1, which angered other operators and led to a scuffle between the metropolitan police and operators.

Following this, tricycle operators in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, took to the streets in a series of protests, causing significant disruptions by blocking major roads.

The ban sparked clashes between the tricycle operators and local authorities. The operators expressed their discontent with various regulations and policies that have constrained their ability to operate freely.

Unfortunately, local residents and businesses bore the brunt of these clashes, as their daily routines were disrupted due to the roadblocks and confrontations.

Amid the protests, a confrontation between the police and the tricycle operators resulted in the injury of six police officers. The police had been called by the KMA to restore order after the operators stormed the KMA offices to reclaim their seized tricycles.

Despite the resistance from the operators, the KMA made it clear and emphasized that it intends to continue its crackdown on tricycle users in the Central Business District of Kumasi.