A Circuit Court judge in Nkawie, Ashanti Region, has issued a firm warning to tricycle operators, popularly known as Pragya riders, reminding them that the use of such vehicles for commercial transport remains illegal under current Ghanaian law.
Presiding Judge Robert Addo made the statement during a court session in which two Pragya riders, Ibrahim Abubakar, and Peter Asare were convicted and fined GH¢600 each for parking at unauthorized locations and operating without driver’s licences. In default of the fine, both men will serve nine months in prison.
The case, brought before the court by officers of the Nkawie Divisional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), highlighted ongoing concerns around road safety and the growing use of unregulated tricycles for public transport in urban areas.
According to Police Inspector Kwaku Frimpong, the incident occurred on June 27 around 7:00 am, when MTTD personnel spotted the two riders parked illegally in front of the Nkawie Central Market. After defying police orders to relocate, the riders were arrested by a reinforcement team. Further investigations revealed neither had a valid licence.
In court, both men pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea.
Judge Addo used the opportunity to caution all Pragya riders in the municipality and beyond, stressing that Section 128, subsections (1) and (2) of the law, which prohibit the use of tricycles for commercial purposes, are still in force.
“Regulatory processes to legalise these operations have not been finalised,” Judge Addo said. “Riders must be disciplined, law-abiding, and respectful to police and road regulators to ensure safety and sanity on our roads.”
The growing presence of Pragyas in many urban centres, especially in the Ashanti Region, has sparked both public debate and policy review. While some argue they serve as affordable transport alternatives, others cite congestion, safety risks, and legal ambiguity.
