E/R:Asiakwa Chief Calls for Legalization of Tricycle (Pragya) Business to Curb Unemployment and Social Vices

By

 



The Nifahene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and Chief of Asiakwa, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo II, has called on the government to enact policies that will legalize and regulate the tricycle (Pragya) business in Ghana. He believes this step will significantly reduce youth unemployment, social vices, and illegal mining, particularly in communities like Asiakwa.


Speaking at a well-attended one-day summit in Asiakwa, organized by the Asiakwa Traditional Council, Daasebre engaged directly with over 70 Pragya riders, urging them to be disciplined and law-abiding as stakeholders work to formalize the industry.


> “Pragya has come to stay in this country. Legalizing and regulating it will not only improve livelihoods but also ensure public safety and reduce crime,” Daasebre stated in a media interview during the event.




He acknowledged that while the business currently operates in a legal grey area, its contribution to reducing crime and offering sustainable livelihoods for the youth cannot be overlooked. He therefore pledged his support to help riders acquire proper licenses, with the long-term goal of integrating them into the formal transport system.


The chief proposed the establishment of designated Pragya stations in the community, with identifiable leaders to help passengers recover lost items and enhance operational efficiency. He also advised riders to maintain personal hygiene, obey assembly by-laws, and seek dialogue when needed.


As part of efforts to professionalize the sector, Daasebre announced plans to organize training sessions for the riders, focusing on road signs, safety protocols, and traffic regulations.


Chairman of the Asiakwa Pragya Drivers Association, Apostle Yaw Nkekye Nyame-Tiase, praised the chief’s initiative, describing the summit as a groundbreaking step towards formalizing their work. He acknowledged that many riders currently lack the required licenses but expressed hope that, with the chief’s intervention, this challenge would soon be addressed.


> “We are grateful to Daasebre for his vision and support. His leadership gives us hope that our struggles as Pragya drivers will be recognized and addressed,” Apostle Nyame-Tiase said.




He also appealed to policymakers to improve road conditions, noting that the poor state of roads in the area is a major cause of accidents involving tricycles.


Another participant, Kwajo Ofori, echoed the call for urgent government intervention to tackle infrastructural and regulatory challenges faced by tricycle operators.


The summit ended with a renewed sense of unity and commitment among the riders, community leaders, and traditional authorities to work together towards the legal recognition and empowerment of the Pragya transport sector — a growing source of livelihood for many young Ghanaians.


Credit: Paul Manyo


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

E/R:Abuakwa North MCE Honours Chief of Sokode-Juaso and Akyem Tafo Police Commander for Leadership in Community Development and Security

By
Image
  The Abuakwa North Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, has recognized two prominent leaders for their dedication and impactful contributions to the community. Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker, the Chief of Sokode-Juaso, and Superintendent Isaac Ampofo, Akyem Tafo’s District Police Commander, were both honored at the 40th Farmers' Day Celebration held on November 8, 2024, in Sokode-Juaso. The event was celebrated under the theme "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security." During the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga lauded Barimah Dr. Awuah Parker for his exemplary leadership within just one year of his enstoolment as the Chief of Sokode-Juaso. He highlighted the socio-economic growth achieved in the area under the chief’s guidance, attributing much of the community's development to his visionary leadership. Hon. Dr. Alhaji Bodinga encouraged him to continue his efforts in transforming Sokode-Juaso into a prosper...
Read more

E/R:Okyenhene Destools Coaltar Chief Over Deadly Clash

By
Image
The Chief of Coaltar in the Eastern Region, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, has been destooled following a violent clash in Kraboa, a farming community in the Ayensuano District, which led to the tragic deaths of two individuals. The destoolment was officially announced by a delegation of traditional leaders (Nananom), led by the Apapamhene and Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori. The delegation carried out the customary destoolment process at the Coaltar Palace. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2025, stemmed from growing tensions over alleged illegal land sales and crop destruction in the area. Residents of Kraboa, angered by these activities, staged a protest against the chief. The situation escalated when landguards allegedly hired by Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II opened fire on the unarmed protesters. Eyewitnesses reported that the landguards, estimated to be about 50 in number, accompanied the chief in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles. The confr...
Read more

E/R: Abuakwa South Parliamentary Candidate Dr. Kingsley Agyeman Donates Equipment and Funds to Apprentices and Local Associations

By
Image
Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, the parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa South Constituency, has extended a generous hand to support local youth and artisans. In a heartwarming ceremony held at Akyem Maase, Dr. Agyeman, along with key New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives, donated essential equipment and financial support to aspiring apprentices in dressmaking and hairdressing. Among the NPP executives present were Constituency Chairman Otis Asante, Secretary Julius Okyere, Women’s Organizer Nana Serwaa Oti, and Organizer Okyeame Appiah. The event drew participation from several electoral areas, including Asafo, Akooko, Adonkwanta, and Agyapomaa. Dr. Agyeman’s donation included 15 sewing machines and 15 hair dryers, aimed at helping young apprentices kickstart their careers in dressmaking and hairdressing. In addition to the equipment, Dr. Agyeman also provided a substantial amount of financial support. He pledged **₵1,000** for each apprentice—benefiting over 30 individuals—to be pai...
Read more

E/R:Trinity Presbyterian Model School Stages Captivating Drama to Promote Cultural Awareness and Practical Learning

By
Image
  Trinity Presbyterian Model School, a government institution in Koforidua Adweso, Eastern Region, has staged a compelling drama titled The Dilemma of a Ghost to foster critical thinking, practical learning, and cultural appreciation among students. The production aimed to enhance students’ writing skills in literature, encourage a deeper appreciation of Ghanaian heritage, and explore themes of cultural identity and adaptation. With its visually striking and emotionally engaging performance, the drama delivered a powerful commentary on human experiences and the challenges of navigating different cultural worlds. Through this thought-provoking play, the school emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds. The script, written by renowned Ghanaian playwright Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, allowed students and parents to gain insight into Africa’s rich cultural traditions while instilling essential values and life skills. The...
Read more

Eastern Region Inaugurates Task Force to Tackle Illegal Mining

By
Image
Koforidua, Ghana – The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has inaugurated a nine-member illegal mining task force to combat the growing menace of galamsey and protect the region’s lands, forests, and water bodies for future generations. The task force has been mandated to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities, identify and shut down galamsey sites, enforce mining laws, confiscate illegal equipment, and engage in public education and community collaboration to curb the practice. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, highlighted the severe impact of galamsey on the ecosystem, economy, and human lives, particularly through the destruction of water bodies and deforestation. She emphasized that the fight against illegal mining remains a top priority under the resetting agenda of the President Mahama-led administration. “The harmful effects of galamsey are far-reaching, and as a region, we can no longer tolerate this ...
Read more